The Lande geese were bred specifically to produce large, fatty livers. The birds were bred in France based on local Toulouse geese. Birds belong to medium-heavy breeds. Today they are actively grown both in Russia and in European countries. To achieve high productivity parameters, it is important to strictly follow the rules of bird care. At the same time, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet and prevention of pathologies.
History of appearance
Land geese were obtained by crossing different species.Breeders used Toulouse geese as a basis. Scientists conducted their first experiments in France. The birds arrived in Russia in 1975.
Description and characteristics of the Landa breed
These French geese are characterized by their outstanding appearance. This allows them to be distinguished from other bird species. The main features include the following:
- Gray color of feathers. Most often, birds of this breed are distinguished by light gray feathers. However, sometimes darker birds are also found. There is usually white fluff on the belly.
- Large and voluminous body and back.
- Short and almost invisible tail.
- Deep chest. It is characterized by developed muscles.
- White tint to the belly. There are also several sagging fat folds in this area.
- A large number of feathers on the wings. The pattern in this area resembles scales.
- Wide head. It is slightly flattened on top and covered with dense plumage.
- Deep-set eyes. Some individuals have a bump above the eyes.
- Orange tint of beak. However, it can have different shapes.
- Dark gray neck. In some individuals it is gray-brown.
These birds are characterized by their large size. The weight of adult males is 7-8 kilograms, females – 6-7. Due to this weight, it is possible to obtain a large liver. Its weight can reach 800 grams. Birds acquire large sizes as early as 10 months. At this age their weight is 5 kilograms.
Some scientists and farmers are crossbreeding Landish geese with Hungarian. As a result, it is possible to obtain very large individuals, weighing 10 kilograms.
At the same time, goslings are characterized by a low level of survival. Only half of the chicks survive to 2 months. Relatively few goslings hatch from the eggs. This figure does not exceed 60%.
Advantages and disadvantages
Subtleties of maintenance and care
In summer, it is recommended to place birds in free enclosures. They are easy to construct from ordinary slats and roofing felt. When the geese reach 7 weeks of age, they are allowed to be released for grazing. In this case, movement should be limited only to the territory of the site. Perennial grasses are ideal for walking geese. This allows the birds to get the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals. If grazing geese is not possible, they should be given green food. In winter, geese require brick or wooden structures. The presence of bedding in the room is of no small importance. It should be warm, dry and dense.
This helps minimize the risk of developing pathologies. Lande geese tolerate frost well. Therefore, poultry houses do not require insulation. It is important to ensure there are no drafts.
To ensure that the birds do not become hypothermic and have a place in which they can warm up, it is important to maintain the temperature in the poultry house at +10 degrees. Lande geese need regular water treatments.If they do not have access to a natural body of water, an artificial pool must be built. Any deep container will do for this.
Nutrition
The diet is selected taking into account the purposes of raising birds. To obtain large livers, geese should be fed hourly. In this case, the diet is divided into the following stages:
- Raising young animals. In this case, at the age of 1-4 weeks, the chicks should be given an unlimited amount of feed and 200 grams of greens. At 5-8 weeks, birds require 170 grams of feed and 500 grams of greens. From week 9, the volume of greens is 300 grams.
- Preparation period. At 11-13 weeks, geese should be limited in their space. It is recommended to place them in a closed poultry house. Birds need 50% corn, 30% protein, 20% dirt. It is also worth giving double the dosage of vitamins A and C.
- Forced fattening. From the 14th week, the basis of the birds’ diet should be corn. It should be filled with hot water for half an hour. It is also recommended to add 1% salt, 1% oil and vitamins. In the first 3 days, it is recommended to give geese 300-400 grams of porridge, on days 4-7 - 450-580 grams, from day 8 - 670-900 grams.
Breeding Features
To successfully breed birds, it is worth buying a female and a male from different farms. It is important to ensure that the goose is not obese. Such birds produce many unfertilized eggs.
When forming a herd, it is important to consider that 1 goose is capable of fertilizing 3-5 females. During the laying and brooding stages, geese require a lot of free boxes. This will help avoid conflicts.
What are they sick with?
Geese are characterized by strong immunity. However, improper nutrition leads to weakening of birds. With a lack of vitamins, birds often develop inflammation of the cloaca.When using dry food and lack of water, there is a risk of esophageal blockage. Violation of hygiene rules provokes the development of salmonellosis.
Lande geese are highly productive and are used to produce large livers. To raise birds successfully, they require careful care.
