Zhijin White Goose

Zhijin White Goose

　　Zhijin White Goose

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A dual-purpose breed for both down and meat. It is mainly produced in Zhijin County, Bijie Prefecture, Guizhou Province, and distributed in Qianxi, Dafang, Bijie, Nayong, Jinsha, as well as neighboring Liuzhi Special District and Puding County. This goose breed features rapid growth, high fattening performance, tender and delicious meat, strong tolerance to rough feed, and strong disease resistance.

　　Appearance Characteristics: The entire body is covered with snow-white feathers; the body shape is compact; the head is delicate; the neck is long and arched. The beak, frontal knob, and webbed feet are orange-red. Male geese have a tall and large body, long and wide beaks, larger frontal knobs, thick and strong necks, broad chests, and thick, long shanks. Female geese are longer and deeper-bodied with slightly wider pelvises.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat & Down Production Performance Average Body Weight: Birth – 103 grams; 30 days old – 820 grams; 90 days old – male geese 4,250 grams, female geese 3,250 grams; Adult – male geese 5,000 grams, female geese 4,000 grams. Adult male geese have an average semi-eviscerated slaughter rate of 80.65%, females 79.95%; adult male geese have an average fully eviscerated slaughter rate of 69.46%, females 68.29%. Each adult goose produces 280–300 grams of feathers per year,

　　of which down accounts for 85%.

　　② Egg Laying Performance and Reproductive Performance Female geese begin laying eggs at an average age of 255 days. They lay an average of 45 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 165 grams, and some reaching up to 180 grams. The average eggshell thickness is 0.65 mm, and the average egg shape index is 1.56. Eggshells are white. Male geese reach sexual maturity at 200–240 days. The mating ratio of male to female geese is 1:(5–7). The average fertilization rate of breeding eggs is 90%, and the average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 85%. Female geese do not have a strong brooding instinct. Male geese have a service life of 2–3 years, and female geese 3–4 years.