Danish legard geese: breed description and characteristics, breeding rules

Danish legard geese are considered quite popular among many farmers. These birds are characterized by many advantages. These include high productivity parameters, high-quality fluff, and excellent survival rates. In addition, the birds have excellent decorative properties. To achieve success in growing birds, they need to create the right conditions and make the right diet.

Description and characteristics of the breed

The Danish Legard is considered a common breed that is grown for industrial purposes. As the name implies, it was bred in Denmark.The birds are characterized by an average body of an elongated shape and an impressive weight. The only fat deposit is located in the abdomen. A characteristic feature of birds is the white shade of plumage. At the same time, the paws and beak are distinguished by a rich yellow color. Birds are characterized by a flat and straight back. It is very broad. The eyes may be blue or light blue. At the same time, the head is distinguished by the correct shape and medium size. Also, birds are characterized by a short massive neck.

Legard geese have a graceful gait and graceful skeleton. Males weigh a maximum of 9 kilograms. The body weight of females does not exceed 6 kilograms. This breed is characterized by a pronounced sexual characteristic. To distinguish a male from a female, you should pay attention to the physique of the bird. The gander is characterized by a larger and more massive body.

Geese of this breed are characterized by high productivity parameters. At the same time, not a lot of cereal mixtures are required to grow birds.Young birds up to 2 months old can eat grass alone and gain up to 6 kilograms of weight. By the age of three months, the mass increases to 7 kilograms.

To speed up weight gain, experienced farmers advise feeding poultry with cereals and compound feed.

Goose meat of this breed is considered to be very popular. This is due to its excellent taste, nutritional properties and low fat content. The main part of the fat is above the skin and does not get into the meat fibers. Goose liver is in great demand. Its weight can reach 800 grams. Also, birds are grown for down. For a year, a bird is capable of producing 1 kilogram of high-quality raw materials. Partial feather plucking can be done at 2 month intervals.

Pros and Cons of Danish Legard Geese

Pros and consunpretentiousness in care;excellent survival of chicks;high quality down;decorative properties;ease of breeding;low costs for cereal feed.low egg production - during the entire period of oviposition, the female is able to lay no more than 40 eggs;low hatchability of chicks - it is only 60-65%;the need for vaccination;need for vitamin supplements.

Maintenance and Care

Geese of this breed are distinguished by unpretentious care. They are characterized by rapid development. In this case, it is worth considering several features.

Requirements for the premises

Geese of this breed are considered very heat-loving birds. When organizing a poultry house, it is recommended to exclude drafts or moisture from entering inside.In winter, the floor and walls should be insulated. For this, it is permissible to use wood. It is better to build a poultry house on a hill. Nearby it is worth equipping a walking area and creating a reservoir.

Equally important is the division of the room into zones. It is important to provide separate sections for adult birds and for young ones. Each of the zones should have places for food and night rest. Nests are recommended to be located in the shaded part. This should be done away from the entrance. It is best to place buildings on the south side. There should be 1 nest per 2 females.

Patio

Birds should not be indoors all the time. For walking birds in the fresh air, you need to make a special corral. 1 individual should account for 10 square meters. It is best to make a platform on the south side of the house. To prevent the geese from flying away, it is recommended to enclose the corral with a net or make a wooden fence.Also, be sure to provide a canopy that will help the birds hide from rain and sun.

In order for birds to graze, various herbs must be sown on the walking area.

Things to take care of in winter

In winter, birds experience serious discomfort, because they need movement and a lot of greenery. To minimize negative he alth effects, birds require proper care. At the same time, it is important to ensure that there is always water in the drinkers. Maintaining the optimum temperature in the room is of great importance. It should be + 22-30 degrees. Humidity settings should be 60%.

How to feed geese

The geese of this breed do not need a lot of cereals.In summer, birds quickly gain weight by eating only grass. They must have constant access to greenery. If you want to build up the fat layer, the birds should be given grain or compound feed. It is also permissible to use fruits and root crops for feeding.

For the winter it is recommended to store dry wheatgrass, barley, clover. Half of the diet should be cereals. They should be given at least three times a day. It is also worth feeding geese with vitamin and mineral complexes.

Features of breeding

Egg-laying of females begins in April. To do this, they need to create a nest. 1 goose is able to incubate up to 12 eggs. However, the females of this breed are able to leave the oviposition. To avoid this, it is recommended to use an incubator. Goslings hatch after 28 days. On the first day, they should be kept in a brooder.

What do birds get sick with

Geese of this breed are distinguished by strong immunity. However, sometimes they get sick. Birds can suffer from aspergillosis, colibacillosis, vitamin deficiency and other pathologies. To avoid problems, you should follow these rules:

maintain optimal temperature;
disinfect the house;
systematically change bedding;
clean feeders and drinkers;
ensure adequate ventilation.

Danish legard geese have many advantages. These birds are distinguished by strong immunity and develop rapidly. At the same time, they are able to gain weight even without the use of a large amount of cereal feed.