Detailed Explanation of Grazing Techniques for Meat-Type Goslings

Meat-type goslings refer to young geese from 20 days to 70 days of age. Their digestive organs gradually develop, their food intake increases significantly, and their digestive capacity, disease resistance and adaptability to the external environment are enhanced, with rapid growth, so sufficient feed must be provided to meet their nutritional needs. Grazing rearing is the most suitable rearing method for meat goslings, and also a relatively economical rearing method.

Selection of grazing sites. During the gosling stage, it is advisable to choose nearby pastures with tender grass and flat ground for grazing. Goslings are weak in strength and slow in walking; if the distance is far, they should be transported to the grazing area in baskets or cages, and transported back at noon or in the evening. The grazing sites should be observed in advance, and rotational grazing should be arranged in a planned way so that every gosling can eat fresh tender pasture grass.

Grazing time. Generally once in the morning and once in the afternoon. When the weather is hot, they should go out early and return early in the morning, and go out late and return late in the afternoon; at noon, let the geese rest under a shade shed. When the weather is cold, they should go out late and return late in the morning, and go out early and return early in the afternoon. When returning home from grazing, count the number to prevent loss.

Pay attention to water release. After each feeding, drive the geese into the water for about half an hour each time; water release helps digestion. After coming ashore to rest, continue grazing. When the weather is hot, increase the number of water release sessions.

Night feeding. Practice has proved that meat geese fed 1 to 2 times at night grow faster. The feed can be mainly green feed, mixed with an appropriate amount of bran.

Prevent pesticide poisoning. Before grazing, it is necessary to find out in advance whether pesticides have been applied along the grazing route and at the sites. Usually, antidotes should also be prepared for timely rescue.

Field management. When grazing in the field, they easily mix with other goose flocks and disputes occur. Therefore, marking should be done well, such as clipping the webbing or applying color. During grazing, in order to keep the goose flock from scattering, wooden sticks and the like can be inserted into the grass and hung with straw hats or clothes; putting in 1 gander has an even better effect, because the gander has a very strong instinct to protect the geese.

Prevent water-related harm. In the cold winter season, goslings are mostly kept confined. When the weather turns clear and grazing begins, great care must be taken to first let the goslings eat an appropriate amount of green grass and drink water before grazing, and they must avoid water sources. Otherwise, as soon as the goslings see a pond, they will dive into the water, both washing and drinking, which easily causes water-related harm. Generally, when the goose flock grows to 60 days to 70 days of age, breeding geese can be selected and retained, and goslings not retained for breeding can be fattened and sent to market.