Zhao’an Grey Goose

Zhao’an Grey Goose

Zhao’an Grey Goose is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　 Zhao’an Grey Goose

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: It is a large-sized breed. Primarily produced in Zhao’an County, Fujian Province, and distributed in Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and other areas, as well as in Chaozhou and Shantou regions of Guangdong Province.

　　Physical Characteristics: Large and tall body, rectangular boat-shaped, with a high-held head, majestic posture, and steady gait. The head is of moderate size. The beak is black, short, and sturdy. There are wattles under the chin, which are soft, bow-shaped, extending to the neck, and both the forehead and the junction with the beak have warty connective tissue. The eyelids are protruding, often with yellowish-brown eye rings, the eyeballs are sunken, and the irises are brownish-black. The facial skin of male geese is softer than that of females. The feathers on the back and wings are greyish-brown. From the top of the head to the neck and back, the feathers are brown, forming a darker, mane-like feather band from front to back, while the feathers on the middle abdomen are greyish-white or white. The shanks are thick and orange-red. The webbed feet are wide, orange-red, with black spots.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat & Liver Production Performance Average Weight: Birth – 111.51 g; 10 days old – 360.40 g; 30 days old – 1159.74 g; 50 days old – 2322.44 g; Adult Male – 6785 g, Female – 6225 g. Meat-producing Goslings at 65–70 days old have an average weight of 5500 g; at 16 days old, the average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate is 70.22% for males and 70.22% for females. At 61 days old, the average fully eviscerated slaughter rate is 59.99% for males and 60.45% for females. Adult male geese have an average liver weight of 155.98 g ± 28.89 g, and females have an average liver weight of 117.74 g ± 21.16 g.

　　② Egg Production and Reproductive Performance Female geese begin laying eggs at an average age of 195 days. They produce 4–5 clutches per year, with 8–10 eggs per clutch, averaging 34 eggs per year, and an average egg weight of 197.57 g. The average egg shape index is 1.5. The eggshell is milky white. The male-to-female ratio in breeding flocks is 1:(6–7). The fertilization rate can reach over 80%, and the chick survival rate is 93%–95%. Female geese have strong brooding instincts, going broody once per clutch, 4–5 times per year, each time for about 25 days. Breeding male geese are usable for 2–3 years, breeding females for 4–5 years, and some may extend to 5–6 years.