The Governor's breed of geese is considered relatively new. It was obtained by crossing Italian and Shchadrin breeds at the Makhalov breeding plant. These birds are characterized by high early maturity parameters, excellent weight indicators, and excellent survival rate. For birds to be raised successfully, they need proper care. Prevention of pathologies is of no small importance.
Appearance and characteristics of governor's geese
These geese owe their appearance to the Italian breed. First of all, they are characterized by a white swan color.Moreover, it manifests itself with age. The little goslings are covered with gray speckles. At the same time, a distinctive feature of birds is the ability to determine sex at one day of age. Males up to 2 weeks old have a dark spot on their back.
The birds owe their name to their important appearance. At the same time, geese are often also called imperial or provincial. The main characteristics of birds include the following:
- dense feathers that help withstand frost;
- small, slightly elongated head;
- proportional physique;
- average neck sizes;
- absence of a bump on the forehead;
- strong beak;
- wide chest;
- small limbs;
- orange legs;
- small tail.
The weight of birds aged 9 weeks is 4 kilograms. Even with a small amount of feed, geese quickly gain body weight. At the same time, egg production parameters are individual in nature. On average, a goose produces 46 eggs within 4.5 months.
The main pros and cons of the breed
No disadvantages have been identified in this breed. Some farmers note the considerable costs of raising birds. To gain 1 kilogram of body weight, you need to spend 3 kilograms of feed. However, the high cost of marbled meat allows you to quickly recoup these costs.
Requirements for maintenance and care
Governor's geese are distinguished by their unpretentiousness. However, they still need to provide certain conditions.It is important to consider the following rules:
- Provide a dry and warm room. It should be divided into sections. It is recommended to make the flooring from straw.
- Place a trough with sand in which the geese can swim. This will help get rid of skin parasites.
- Equip a drinking bowl. It should always be filled with water.
- Provide birds with sufficient food. For 1 kilogram of weight you should use 3 kilograms of food. It should have enough minerals. During the warm period, the basis of the diet is grass.
- Vaccinate periodically. This will help avoid many infectious pathologies.
- Provide timely protection against parasites.
Nutrition
In warm weather, it is recommended to let geese out to pasture. They prefer to eat sorrel, nettle, dandelion, clover, yarrow, and alfalfa. Geese are also allowed to eat legumes. At the same time, crow's feet and sedge are contraindicated for birds.
In the summer, it is recommended to give birds beets, potatoes, carrots, and cereals. In winter, the diet should include grains, carrots, potatoes, and beets. Birds also need additional minerals.
One-day old goslings should be given crushed eggs with grains. Small birds require 6-7 feedings per day. On the second day, you can introduce mixed feed into the diet. As the chicks grow, it is worth adding carrots, cereal mixtures, and herbs. After a month, it is permissible to transfer young birds to adult food and release them into fresh air so that they can look for their own food.
It is important for older goslings to spend a lot of time outdoors, as they require physical activity.
Features of reproduction
In order for the reproduction of birds to be successful, it is important to equip nests for them. They should be placed in each section of the poultry house.There is 1 nest for 2-3 geese. Their width is 40 centimeters, length – 60, and height – 20. It is recommended to place bedding at the bottom and cover it with goose down. In order for the reproduction of birds to be successful, insulation of the room in which the birds live is of no small importance. It is recommended to pay special attention to protection from drafts.
On the first day of incubation, it is worth ensuring the temperature is at +37-38 degrees. In this case, the humidity parameters are set to 60-70%. It is recommended to use an incubator that has an automatic egg turning function. On the second day, eggs should be cooled twice a day to a temperature of +33 degrees. This is done for a maximum of 20 minutes. On day 5, it is recommended to treat the eggs with a solution of potassium permanganate.
On day 28, the eggs should be transferred to a special incubator, which is designed for hatching goslings. The temperature inside the device is +36-37 degrees. In this case, the humidity parameters should be 75%. It is recommended to spray the eggs with water at intervals of 6 hours. The goslings hatch within 30 days.
Diseases and their treatment
This type of geese has strong immunity. If the rules of care are followed, birds practically do not encounter diseases. To prevent infection with parasites, it is recommended to vaccinate birds. Infection usually occurs through food, drinking bowls or other birds.
To prevent the development of pathologies, you should do the following:
- treat the premises with disinfectants;
- clean the poultry house from feces;
- treat feeders and drinking bowls with antiseptics;
- get vaccinated on time;
- remove wet litter.
Governor's geese are highly productive and have strong immunity. That's why many farmers grow them. To achieve good results in this matter, it is important to provide birds with comprehensive care.
