Domestic Goose is a pet goose (either graylag
or swan) which is being kept as poultry for getting meat, eggs, and down
feathers since long.
Weight and Size
Domestic Goose is a domesticated breed selected
for its bigger size. Its normal weight is considered up to 22 lb (10 Kg). Comparatively,
wild swan goose is weighing up to 7.7 lb (3.5 Kg) and wild graylag goose is
weighing up to 9 lb (4.1 kg).
Origins and Characteristics
The original pet goose in Europe, northern
Africa and western Asia is derived from “Graylag Goose”; whereas in eastern
Asia, it is the consequence of “Swan Goose” which is generally called ‘Chinese Goose’.
Both the graylag and swan geese have recently been recognized and its modern
flocks have been found in Australia and North America which consist either the species
or hybrids. The “Chinese Goose” can be easily distinguished from European Goose
seeing the big knob at the base of the bill. The hybrid breeds show every degree of
dissimilarity between two species.
Goose Behavior
The Geese have excellent eyesight and they remain
very alert and inquisitive due to their strong territorial natures. Thus goose
attacks on human beings have also been reported. Some Canadian Geese attacks in
‘Cincinnati Parks’ have also been reported for knocking people down and
breaking their bones. Due to this aggressive and territorial behavior, the
geese can be used as guards both at farms and other places. These geese are very
intellectual to observe strange people or sounds. The loud honking of these
geese can alert the humans to see unusual activities observed there.
Fertility and Breeding
The domestic geese are mostly selected for their
fertility. The females lay up to 50 eggs per annum which are comparatively
higher the wild geese that lay 5 to 12 eggs per year. The eggs are large edible
weighing about 120 grams (4.2 oz) to 170 grams (6.0 oz). The eggs are also used
in cooking like as the hen's eggs. The goose’s eggs have comparatively more
yolk than chickens and they are cooked at denser heat. The taste is likely the
same as chicken eggs, but somewhat gamier.
Domestic Goose as Guard
Domestic Geese are very protective of their
offspring. Due to their very aggressive nature, loud voice, and sensitivity to observe
unusual actions, the geese also contribute to the security of belongings. In the 1950s,
the VNAF used flocks of “Geese” for safeguarding their parked aircraft at the night
in South Vietnam due to their loud voices.
The domestic goose is also used as a guard animal
both at the farms and other places.
American Buff Goose
American Buff Geese are the domestic breed originated
in the USA. The American Buff Goose was the first accepted by “American Poultry
Association” in 1947. The breed is titled for its distinct color variety which includes
apricot or fawn hue. American Buff Geese are average weight pets. The ganders are
normally considered about 18 lb (8.2 Kg) and geese 16 (ib) in weight.
Like as another domestic goose, the American Buff
Goose was bred from graylag goose of Europe and Asia. The American Buff Geese are
produced for their meat and eggs. They are generally kept by farmers. They are recognized
for their calm and quiet nature. It is a very rare poultry breed which is registered
as critical on the priority list of “American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.”
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