Since 1969 the Hungarian Upgraded and Grey Landes breeds of geese have been improved at the Goose Breeding Research Station of Godollo University of Agricultural Sciences at Babatpuszta. An overview of 15 years history of these two breeds shows an average annual increase in egg production of almost one egg and average annual improvements of 1% in fertility and one day old goslings per year. These improvements are attributed to the results of selection carried out between 1978 and 1992.
The susceptibility of geese of different genotypes and sexes to force-feeding, some plasma biochemical parameters (thyroid hormones, cholesterol, retinoids, total protein and albumin) of force-fed geese, and the relationship between force-feeding, fat storage and the above-mentioned parameters were studied. Sixty (30 male and 30 female) geese of three genotypes (Hungarian, Landes and their crossbred called Babat Hybrid) were divided in two groups at 12 weeks of age. Geese in one group (5 males and 5 females from each genotype) received mixed feedingad libitum. Birds in the other group were force-fed with maize. After 3 weeks all birds were bled, blood samples were taken, and the above-mentioned plasma parameters were determined. Thyroxine (T4) levels were significantly lower in force-fed (11.6 ± 3.5 ng/ml) than in control geese (22.7 ± 4.09 ng/ml). Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) level was also lower in the force-fed than in the control group, but the difference was not significant (1.87 ± 0.23 ng/ml and 2.11 ± 0.28 ng/ml, respectively). Plasma total protein (TP, 45.2 ± 4.5 g/l), albumin (ALB, 16.51 ± 2.8 g/l), (-carotene (BC, 3504 ± 3107 µg/l), retinol (ROL, 1160 ± 505 µg/l), retinyl palmitate (RP, 1745 ± 405 µg/l) and total cholesterol (TCh, 4.32 ± 0.55 mmol/l) levels were elevated in the force-fed group as compared to the control (TP = 36.4 ± 5.1 g/l, ALB = 15.6 ± 0.9 g/l, BC = 1657 ± 1681 µg/l, ROL = 687 ± 375 µg/l, RP = 1398 ± 607 µg/l, and TCh = 2.83 ± 1.98 mmol/l). All differences were significant except those found for albumin and (-carotene. No significant sex- or genotype-related effects were observed for these parameters.
Hungarian goose production and gene conservation practices have been a tradition in Hungary for several centuries. The old Hungarian geese can only be effectively maintained if the national programs can identify economic uses of the breed. This study aimed to examine the potential use of the Hungarian landrace goose (HL) either as a purebred or crossbred with the Hungarian Upgraded breed (HU). Crossbred offspring were produced by HL ganders and HU layers, as egg production of HL layers is very low. Reproduction traits (egg production, fertility and hatchability) of parent stocks, body weight gain, feed consumption and slaughter values (slaughter loss, breast and thigh weight and proportions) and of offspring were measured. The results showed that fertility in the crossbred geese was insignificant compared to the fertility of HL purebreds, while hatchability of crossbreds was higher than that of purebred HL or HU. HL offspring had significantly lower bodyweight and weight gain, and a higher feed conversion rate than HU. The proportion of valuable meat parts (breast and thigh) was the highest in HU while weight in slaughter loss was also the highest in HU. In terms of body weight, feed conversion rate and slaughter properties, crossbred offspring showed intermediate inheritance. HL is recommended for crossbreeding with HU breeds and their offspring should be reared under free-range keeping conditions.
Feather production is realised by gathering feathers from geese right as they start their natural moulting. The adequate gathering time coincides with the time of moulting. There is still scarce information as to whether or not gathering causes distress and pain to geese. A series of experiments was carried out by our research group to determine the effect of gathering on plasma corticosterone level in growing geese. In the present experiment, the reactions of five groups (two gathered and three not gathered groups) of 9-week-old Babat Hungarian Upgraded geese were compared regarding gathering. Blood samples were taken right before, during and 5 min, 1 and 3 h after gathering into heparinised tubes from all groups. The plasma concentration of corticosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results show that the plasma concentration of corticosterone is high in the first sample of all groups but is significantly lower at subsequent blood samplings compared to the first samples, especially in gathered geese. Compared to the first sampling, we observed higher corticosterone levels in samples collected 1 and 3 h after gathering. This was true only for groups which were not gathered, especially for the group which was not given any antistress material. From these results it can be concluded that the handling of geese causes an elevation in plasma corticosterone level and that feather gathering does not result in a higher corticosterone level than the handling or catching of the bird. Therefore, it can be concluded that feather gathering - especially when it is done adequately in time - does not cause more distress than the handling or catching of the bird.
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