Q: I'm a farmer. How can I tell the difference between egg-laying geese and meat-producing geese?
A: Identifying egg-laying geese involves observing their physical characteristics and behavioral changes. About 10 days before they start laying eggs, the female goose will show increased appetite, especially for green feed. Her body feathers will appear shiny and close to her body, particularly around the neck, which becomes tight. Her eyes will appear bulging, her beak will turn yellow, and she'll move more actively. The tail feathers will stretch outward, and the distance between her pubic bones will be about 3 to 4 finger widths. She will also make a quick, low-pitched sound.
One week before laying, you may notice some soiling near the vent. Two to three days before the actual laying begins, she may start gathering grass to build a nest. These are clear signs that she is about to lay eggs.
When the egg production rate reaches 2-30%, the crop (esophagus) won't be very noticeable. However, when the production hits around 35%, the vent becomes loose, and you might see a slight indentation on the abdomen, as if the goose is slightly drunk. Newly started layers usually have smooth feathers that don’t stick together, even after rain.
To check if a goose has stopped laying eggs, hold the base of both wings with your left hand, then grasp the head and neck with your arm. Use your right palm to rub along the feathers from the back of the abdomen forward. If there's no resistance or softness in the area, it’s likely the goose has stopped laying eggs. This method helps farmers quickly determine the productivity status of their geese.
By paying attention to these signs, farmers can better manage their flocks and ensure optimal egg production.
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