Effect of different free-range systems on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of Yangzhou geese

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different free-range systems on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of geese. Grass pasture zones in the study area were selected, and 28 d-old male Yangzhou geese with similar body weights (1.57 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: (A) free-range conditions in the apron area during 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (10–20 m from shed with grass pasture); (B) free-range conditions in the outer range from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (beyond 50 m from shed with grass pasture); and (C) barn system. Free range-reared geese had higher weight gain after 42 days of age than barn-reared geese, regardless of the range area. A lower feed conversion ratio was found in outer range-reared and apron area-reared geese from 28 to 63 days of age. In addition, the highest percentages of leg and breast muscle weights were observed in outer range-reared and apron area-reared geese, respectively. Finally, outer-range rearing resulted in a lower pH and lower moisture content. Therefore, these data suggest that the outer range system benefits growth performance and feed conversion ratio of geese and results in a higher percentage of leg muscle weight, lower pH, and lower moisture content.

Keywords:

• Goose
• free range
• body weight
• carcass performance
• meat quality

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Zhenjiang Tiancheng Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd.

Author contributions

Y.Z., G.C., and Q.X.: conceptualization. Q.X.: methodology. J.C.: software. J.C., K.W., J.L., and W.G.: validation. J.C.: formal analysis. J.C., S.L., and M.Z.: investigation. Y.Z., G.C., Q.X., and Y.Z.: resources. Z.C., K.W., and J.C.: data curation. J.C.: writing—original draft preparation. Q.X.: writing—review and editing. Z.C. and Y.Z.: visualization. Y.Z.: supervision. G.C.: project administration. G.C.: funding acquisition. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Agricultural Science and Technology Independent Innovation Fund of Jiangsu Province (CX (21)1001) and the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-42-3).