Magang Goose is one of the most renowned local goose breeds in Guangdong Province, originating from Magang Township in Kaiping County. It is named after its place of origin. Similar to other local goose varieties such as the Black Pheasant Goose, Yangjiang Goose, and Lion Goose, Magang Geese exhibit strong seasonal breeding patterns. They typically begin their laying cycle in August and enter a resting phase around April of the following year. The peak egg production occurs between December and January, which leads to significant seasonality in gosling supply and meat availability. This seasonal behavior has long been a challenge for the geese industry, limiting consistent production and market stability.
The breeding cycle of the Magang Goose is influenced by changes in natural light exposure. By manipulating light conditions, farmers can regulate the breeding season, allowing for more controlled and continuous egg production. This involves adjusting the duration of artificial lighting to either extend or shorten the breeding period. For example, by increasing light exposure, geese can be stimulated to start laying eggs earlier, while reducing light helps them rest and prepare for the next cycle.
To achieve this, a structured lighting schedule is implemented. After a 3-month maternity break, geese are placed under extended light treatment starting from late November until early February. During this time, each goose house is equipped with 40-watt fluorescent lamps installed at intervals of 4 square meters, ensuring that the light intensity reaches at least 80 lux. Lights are turned on when it gets dark and kept on until around midnight, mimicking longer daylight hours. The light duration is gradually reduced over time: 19 hours for the first 25 days, 18.5 hours for the next 15 days, and finally 18 hours on day 41.
During the initial stages of light treatment, geese are still in the egg-laying phase, so feed is not reduced. However, after about a week, egg production starts to decline, and feeding is gradually decreased. Once production stops completely, male and female geese are separated and fed 75 grams per day.
Twenty-eight days after the light treatment begins, males are plucked, with their main wing and tail feathers removed. A three-day fast is required before plucking, and antibiotics are administered afterward to prevent infection. One month later, females are also plucked and similarly treated.
Short-light treatment begins on day 62 of the long-light cycle, reducing the daily light exposure from 18 to 13 hours. By day 87, both males and females are reintroduced, and feed is increased to 175 grams per goose. Breeding activities resume in early March, with feed increased to 225 grams per goose and 20–30% duck feed added for better nutrition. Light duration is then reduced to 11 hours per day, maintaining this schedule until the end of the year.
In addition to lighting, proper housing is essential. The barns should be flat or slightly sloped, well-drained, and located away from flood-prone areas. Traditional sheds are often poorly ventilated, but modern ones are designed with high ceilings (around 5 meters) and large spaces (about 320 square meters per house). Each house includes a production area and a nesting room, with 4 geese per square meter. Powerful fans and exhaust systems ensure good air circulation, and the outdoor area must be covered with light-blocking materials.
Light management is critical. When increasing light, the intensity should reach at least 80 lux. When shortening light, the intensity must be below 5 lux, requiring all windows and openings to be sealed with opaque materials.
Nesting behavior is also managed. Female geese tend to nest after laying 4–5 eggs. Under natural conditions, they may take up to 18–20 days to wake up. To speed this process, once a hen is found in the nest, she is moved to a special nesting area and allowed to soak in water (called "sinking waters"), which helps her awaken within 10 days. These geese are then treated the same as regular laying hens.
Feeding and management are equally important. Geese require ample green feed, with 0.5–1 kg per day per bird. Supplemental nutrients, including 20–30% duck feed and multivitamins, are necessary during the laying period. Antibiotics are regularly added to prevent disease, especially in hot weather. Disinfection routines should involve multiple types of disinfectants to avoid bacterial resistance. Vaccinations against avian flu, gosling plague, and other diseases should be conducted before the breeding season begins.
By implementing these practices, breeders can overcome the challenges of seasonal breeding and achieve more stable and productive goose farming.
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