Effect of Age and Sex on Fattening Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Native Turkish Geese

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to define the fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of native Turkish geese fattened under the intensive condition. It was also aimed to determine the most suitable initial age of fattening and the effect of sex on the above mentioned traits. 32 native Turkish geese was allocated into two age treatment groups named as group I (10 weeks age) and group II (14 weeks age). The experiment was completed at the end of 6 weeks. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of weekly live weight in the weeks of 0, 1st, 2nd and 3th (P<0.05-0.001). The highest live weight gain was observed in group 1 (2nd week, 45.6 g) while the lowest live weight gain was in group 2 (5th week, 8.0 g). Influence of initial age of fattening was found significant on foot and wing weight (P<0.01). Sex also has a significant effect on the carcass characteristics and male geese were heavier than females in the hot and cold carcass, neck, leg, chest and back weight (P<0.05). Overall results of the study revealed that fattening performance and feed efficiency ratio were better in younger geese but this trend was not observed in carcass. Therefore, it could be suggested that younger native Turkish geese should be preferred instead of older ones for fattening.