Xichang Steel Goose

Xichang Steel Goose

The Xichang Steel Goose is an agricultural product with geographical indication status.

　　The Steel Goose, also called the Ironclad Goose or Xichang Gray Goose, has back, wing, and tail feathers in grayish-black with brown or white edges, resembling armor — hence the name "Ironclad Goose." It is mainly produced in the river valley plains of Xichang, Dechang, and Mianning along the Anning River basin in Liangshan Prefecture. It is a local variety among China's gray-feathered geese. This goose is large in size, fast-growing...

　　The production area of the Steel Goose features a subtropical climate. The main production region is crisscrossed with rivers and dense water networks, with alluvial soil that is fertile and supports double cropping of rice and wheat. The area is rich in produce and has an abundant supply of various vegetables and green fodder year-round, providing excellent ecological conditions for the development and formation of the Steel Goose.

　　Physical characteristics of the Steel Goose: It is relatively large in size, with an arched neck, a body that tilts forward, and a black beak. Male geese have well-developed, firm, black frontal wattles and a large, round breast; female geese have flatter wattles, a large, round abdomen, inconspicuous abdominal folds, and after they begin laying eggs, their lower abdomen sags — commonly referred to as the "egg sac." From the top of the goose’s head, along the back of the neck to the base of the neck, there is a band of dark brown, mane-like feathers that gradually narrows from wide to narrow; the thigh feathers are dark gray, while the lower leg and abdominal feathers are grayish-white; the shanks and webs are orange-yellow, and the toes are black.

　　It is understood that goose meat is highly nutritious, containing 17%–22% protein and 3.33%–7.33% fat, making it a favorite food among people. Steel Goose can be cooked and processed into roast goose, smoked goose, grilled goose, pressed goose, and salted goose, all of which are delicious. Especially the goose fat, which is rich but not greasy, offers a unique flavor.

　　In addition to the meat and eggs for human consumption, goose down is also an important raw material for light industry. It can be processed into down jackets, down quilts, and other down products, which are premium cold-weather items. Goose liver is a precious and high-end nutritious food that can nourish the body and is a delicacy at banquets.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The Xichang Steel Goose is mainly produced in Xichang. The production area spans 37 towns and townships in Xichang City, including Yulong, Gaocao, Youjun, Langhuan, Lizhou, Yuehua, Anning, Xixiang, Xiaomiao, Madao, Jingjiu, Zhongba, Huanglianguan, Huangshui, Xijiao, Gaojian, Chuanxing, Hainan, Baima, Ma’an, Yinchang, Baru, Kaiyuan, Daqing, Sihé, Luogupo, Anha, Qiaodi, Xiangshui, Mopan, Minsheng, Daxing, Taihe, Xingsheng, Zhangmu, Xixi, and Aqi. The production area covers a land area of 2,651 square kilometers. Xichang City administers 37 towns and townships, 6 subdistrict offices, 14 neighborhood committees, with a total population of 650,000. The production area lies between 101°46′–102°25′ east longitude and 27°32′–28°10′ north latitude, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 meters. In 2009, there were 380,000 Xichang Steel Geese raised, with 280,000 slaughtered annually and 100,000 retained.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory and Meat Quality Characteristics: The Xichang Steel Goose is large in size, well-fattened, tender in meat texture, with bright red meat color, aromatic and delicious. Goose meat contains calcium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and more than ten other trace elements. The Xichang Steel Goose’s fatty liver is rich in nutrients, delicate in texture, delicious in taste, and contains large amounts of beneficial unsaturated fats and multiple vitamins, making it especially suitable for children and the elderly. The liver weight of fattened Xichang Steel Geese significantly increases to reach 600 grams. 2. Physicochemical indicators of Xichang Steel Goose meat: The protein content in the breast muscle of Xichang Steel Goose meat is 1–4% higher than that of ordinary goose meat, cholesterol is 2–4% lower, fat is 1–3% higher, and the total amino acid content is 1% higher than that of common goose meat. For the testing indicators of Xichang Steel Goose meat, see (Attachment 1). 3. Product quality standards are implemented according to the Sichuan Regional Local Standard — "Xichang Steel Goose Breeding Technical Specifications" (DB5134/T199-2011) (issued by the Liangshan Prefecture Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau of Sichuan Province on May 1, 2011).