The ancestor of the African goose, despite the name, is considered to be the wild Chinese goose. This poultry is distinguished by a large fleshy body. In terms of size, representatives of this breed occupy third place among heavyweight geese. At the same time, the bird is characterized by a calm disposition. Thanks to the described characteristics, African geese are widely used in livestock farming.
Appearance and characteristics of African geese
Among the features characterizing African geese are the following:
- gray-brown or brown color of feathers;
- the presence of a submandibular “purse”;
- absence of fat folds on the abdomen, characteristic of other geese;
- wide and powerful body;
- compact head on a long neck;
- black beak.
An important feature of representatives of the African breed is considered to be a bump on the forehead, which increases as they grow older. The same thing happens with the black stripe that runs down from the head along the back.
African geese are considered long-lived. Oviposition occurs over several years. Despite the fact that geese of this breed do not have strict care requirements, birds in cold regions must be kept in equipped enclosures. At sub-zero temperatures, the submandibular “wallet” freezes. The offspring of this breed develop slowly. Young animals reach sexual maturity at two or three years of age. On average, a goose produces up to 20-40 large eggs during the year.
Advantages and disadvantages
African geese are bred mainly for meat. The feathers of these birds are used less often.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
As noted, representatives of this breed do not have any special requirements in terms of maintenance and grooming. Birds need access to bodies of water. If this cannot be organized, then it is recommended to install a structure with water on the site where the geese can swim.
These birds live in flocks, although one individual can be kept.When designing a pen, the area of the interior is determined at the rate of 1 square meter per adult male. The poultry house for the African breed must be insulated by sealing all the holes. Geese cannot tolerate drafts, which cause diseases to develop and offspring to die.
It is necessary to install drinking bowls and boxes with mineral feed in poultry houses. A layer of sawdust and sand should be applied to the floor. It is recommended to equip nests and manholes inside the poultry house.
Diet planning
The basis of the diet in the warm season is fresh grass. Geese eat:
- cattail;
- reeds;
- sorrel;
- yarrow;
- dandelion and other herbs.
It is recommended to feed adults up to two kilograms of green grass every day. Additionally, roughage should be given in the evenings:
- potato;
- beets;
- corn;
- corn.
Also, additives such as table salt, fine gravel or chalk should be included in the diet. This stimulates the bird's digestion. Geese require plenty of water. Water must be poured so that the bird can completely submerge its beak and nostrils. To speed up weight gain, the diet is based on oats, wheat, corn and barley.
Young animals should be given bread soaked in water. In the second week, green grass and boiled potatoes are introduced into the diet. By the age of one month, young animals can be taken out for free grazing.
During the winter, African geese are switched to solid feed, including millet, corn and wheat. It is recommended to give the bird food waste, boiled potatoes with beets and carrots. Pine and spruce needles are included in the diet as a vitamin supplement.
Features of reproduction
African geese reach sexual maturity by two years.However, the productivity of males gradually decreases after four years. This is also influenced by the conditions of detention. At temperatures below +23 degrees the gander becomes inactive.
In females, puberty occurs earlier. The most productive period is considered to be up to the first three years. It is recommended to leave up to four geese per gander. This does not exclude the possibility of pair formation. Representatives of the African breed, like a number of others, often choose their “favorite” female. In such cases, the ganders are culled. The same should be done if the male begins to show aggression. But such situations are less typical for the African breed than for others.
In addition, it is recommended to introduce a new gander into the flock every 3 years to renew the blood.
Diseases and treatment
African geese are more prone to infectious diseases caused by non-compliance with living conditions. Mostly young animals are at risk. Pathologies that are more often diagnosed in poultry include the following:
- Viral enteritis. It mainly affects the liver, causing the death of up to 95% of the offspring. Enteritis cannot be treated. But to prevent infection, young animals are vaccinated.
- Salmonellosis. A serious disease that affects the entire body. It is treated with Furazolidone.
- Colibacillosis. The most common disease that causes weakness. Treated with Baytril.
- Pasteurellosis, or cholera. It usually develops due to parasites. Treatment is carried out with antibiotics.
Also, geese often experience blockage of the esophagus caused by dry food. Treatment is carried out using sunflower oil.
