Description and characteristics of Danish Legard geese breed, breeding rules
The Danish Legard geese are considered to be quite popular among many farmers. These birds have many advantages. These include high parameters of productivity, high-quality fluff, excellent survival rates. In addition, the birds have excellent decorative properties. To achieve success in growing feathered birds, they need to create suitable conditions and correctly formulate a diet.
Description and characteristics of the breed
The Danish Legard is considered a common breed that is grown for industrial purposes. As the name implies, it was bred in Denmark. The birds are characterized by an elongated average body and an impressive weight. The only body fat is located in the abdomen. A characteristic feature of birds is considered a white plumage. At the same time, the paws and beak are distinguished by a rich yellow color. The birds are characterized by an even and straight back. It is very broad. The eyes can be blue or blue. At the same time, the head is distinguished by its regular shape and medium size. Also, birds are characterized by a short massive neck.
Legard geese have a graceful gait and graceful skeleton. Males weigh a maximum of 9 kilograms. The body weight of females does not exceed 6 kilograms. This breed is characterized by a pronounced sex characteristic. To distinguish a male from a female, you should pay attention to the physique of the bird. The gander is characterized by a larger and more massive body.
Geese of this breed are characterized by high productivity parameters. At the same time, not very many cereal mixtures are required to grow birds. Young birds up to 2 months old can feed on one grass and gain up to 6 kilograms of weight. By the age of three months, the weight increases to 7 kilograms.
The goose meat of this breed is considered to be in high demand. This is due to its excellent taste, nutritional properties and low fat content. Most of the fat is located above the skin and does not get into the meat fibers. Goose liver is in great demand. Its weight can reach 800 grams. Also birds are grown for fluff. The bird is capable of producing 1 kilogram of quality raw materials per year. Partial plucking of feathers can be performed at intervals of 2 months.
Pros and cons of Danish legard geese
Maintenance and care
Geese of this breed are distinguished by their unpretentious care. They are characterized by rapid development. In this case, it is worth considering several features.
Room requirements
Geese of this breed are considered to be very thermophilic birds. When organizing a poultry house, it is recommended to exclude the ingress of drafts or moisture. For the winter, the floor and walls should be insulated. For this, it is permissible to use wood. It is better to build a poultry house on a hill. Nearby, it is worth equipping a walking area and creating a reservoir.
The division of the room into zones is of no small importance. It is important to provide separate sections for adult birds and young birds. Each of the zones should have places for food and night rest. It is recommended to locate the nests in a shaded area. This should be done far from the entrance. It is best to place structures on the south side. There should be 1 nest for 2 females.
Walking yard
Birds should not be kept indoors all the time. For walks of birds in the fresh air, you need to make a special enclosure. There should be 10 square meters for 1 individual. It is best to make a site on the south side of the house. To prevent the geese from flying away, it is recommended to fence off the pen with a net or make a wooden fence. Also, you should definitely provide a canopy that will help the birds hide from the rain and sun.
In order for the birds to graze, various grasses must be sown on the walking area.
What to take care of in winter
In winter, birds experience severe discomfort as they require movement and a lot of greenery. To minimize negative health effects, birds need adequate care. In this case, it is important to ensure that there is always water in the drinkers. Maintaining an optimal temperature in the room is of great importance. It should be + 22-30 degrees. Humidity parameters should be 60%.
How to feed geese
Goose of this breed does not need a lot of cereals. In summer, birds gain weight quickly by consuming only grass. They must have constant access to greenery. If you need to build up body fat, the birds should be given grain or mixed feed. It is also permissible to use fruits and roots for feeding.
It is recommended to store dry wheatgrass, barley, and clover for the winter. Half of the diet should be cereals. They should be given at least three times a day. It is also worth feeding the geese with vitamin and mineral complexes.
Breeding features
Oviposition of females begins in April. To do this, they need to create a nest. 1 goose is capable of incubating up to 12 eggs. However, females of this breed are able to leave the egg-laying. To avoid this, it is recommended to use an incubator. Goslings hatch after 28 days. On the first day, they should be kept in a brooder.
What birds are sick with
Geese of this breed are distinguished by strong immunity. However, sometimes they face disease. Birds can suffer from aspergillosis, colibacillosis, vitamin deficiency and other pathologies. To avoid problems, you should adhere to these rules:
- maintain optimal temperature;
- disinfect the poultry house;
- systematically change the litter;
- clean feeders and drinkers;
- provide adequate ventilation.
Danish Legard geese have many advantages. These birds are distinguished by strong immunity and develop rapidly.At the same time, they are able to gain weight even without using a large amount of cereal feed.
