Gushi White Goose

Gushi White Goose

　　Gushi White Goose

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: It is a large-sized breed. Named after its primary production area in Gushi, Henan Province. It is also distributed in nearby areas such as Huangchuan, Shangcheng, Guangshan, Huaibin, as well as Xin County, Xi County, Luoshan, and Xinyang.

　　External Features: The body is rectangular, with a strong and compact build. The feathers adhere tightly to the body, and the body structure is symmetrical with a majestic posture. The head is square-round, of moderate size, with a round, smooth, orange-red wattle. The beak is broad and flat, orange-yellow in color, with a lighter shade at the tip. The eyes are large and expressive, with pale yellow eyelids and gray irises. A few geese have a tuft of protruding down feathers at the junction of the head and neck, known as “phoenix-head geese.” Some have a band-like fleshy wattles under the chin, called “ox geese.” The neck is slender, slightly forward-leaning, and curved like a bow. The chest is deep, broad, and prominent, while the back is wide and relatively flat. The feathers are all snow-white, although a few geese may have several gray feathers in their secondary wing feathers. Male geese are larger and more robust than females, walking with heads held high, a steady gait, and loud calls. Their head wattles are larger and more prominent than those of females, and their beaks are broader and longer. Female geese are gentle in temperament, with low and coarse calls. During the laying period, there is a distinct wrinkle on the abdomen, which is larger and closer to the ground in high-producing geese. Their gait is less steady than that of males, often appearing unsteady. The shanks are thick, short, and strong. The shanks, toes, and webs are orange-yellow.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 180 grams at birth; 1400 grams at 30 days; 3250 grams at 50 days; 4500 grams at 90 days. Adult male geese have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 79.51%; adult male geese have an average full-eviscerated slaughter rate of 66.76%, while females have 68.35%.

　　② Egg Production Performance and Reproductive Performance Female geese begin laying eggs at an average age of 185 days. They lay an average of 25 eggs per year, with high producers laying up to 70 eggs. Eggs are produced in two annual cycles: the first cycle yields 14–16 eggs, and the second yields 8–10 eggs, with an average egg weight of 145 grams. The average egg shape index is 1.5. Male geese reach sexual maturity at 150 days. The mating ratio of male to female geese is 1:3. The average fertilization rate of breeding eggs is 90%, and the average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 80%. Female geese have a strong brooding instinct, with a brooding rate of nearly 100%. Male geese have a usable lifespan of 1–2 years, while females can be used for 3–4 years.