Yunnan Goose

Yunnan Goose

　　Yunnan Goose

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A medium-sized breed. Mainly distributed in Dali, Chuxiong, Wenshan, Dehong, and Yuxi in Yunnan Province. It is more commonly raised in villages inhabited by Hui and Dai ethnic groups. This goose breed is known for its ability to thrive on rough feed, fast growth rate, and strong adaptability.

　　Appearance: Comes in white and gray varieties. White geese have relatively large heads, orange-yellow beaks with a fleshy protuberance at the base, long and slightly curved necks, and long shanks resembling those of a swan, with orange-yellow shanks and webs. Gray geese have black beaks and fleshy protuberances, and grayish-yellow shanks and webs. Most white and gray geese have yellow irises, while a minority have bluish-gray or brown irises.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: Birth – 100 g; 30 days – 780 g; 60 days – 1720 g; 90 days – 2070 g; 120 days – 3050 g; 180 days – 3470 g; Adult White Male – 4670 g, Female – 4220 g; Adult Gray Male – 4180 g, Female – 3650 g. Average dressing percentage of adult male geese is 85.12% (semi-eviscerated), females 85.92%; average dressing percentage (fully eviscerated) is 72.40% for males, 72.07% for females.

　　② Egg Laying and Reproductive Performance Female geese usually begin laying eggs at an average age of 390 days, though some start as early as 240 days. White geese lay an average of 23 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 136 g; gray geese lay an average of 25 eggs per year, with an average egg weight of 141 g. The average egg shape index is 1.44. Eggshells are white. Male geese reach sexual maturity at 360–420 days and generally breed in spring and autumn, though this varies by region. Female geese have strong brooding instincts and are good foster mothers, with an average brooding duration of 31 days. Male geese are productive for 2–3 years, females for 3–5 years.