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 and is known for its high-quality meat and eggs. Like other local goose breeds such as the Black Pheasant Goose, Yangjiang Goose, and Lion Goose, the Magang Goose exhibits strong seasonal breeding patterns. These geese typically enter their breeding and egg-laying period in August and go into a resting phase by April. Their peak egg production occurs between December and January. This natural seasonality causes fluctuations in gosling supply, meat availability, and overall industry stability, which has long been a challenge for the goose farming sector.
The seasonal breeding behavior of Magang Geese is primarily influenced by changes in daylight duration. By manipulating light exposure, farmers can regulate the breeding cycle to suit commercial needs. For instance, extending the light period can delay breeding, while shortening it can trigger egg production. This technique has become essential for modern goose farming to ensure consistent output throughout the year.
To start production in spring, Magang Geese must first go through a rest period during winter. From late November to early February, the geese are exposed to extended lighting in their barns—using 40W fluorescent lamps installed at a density of one lamp per 4 square meters to achieve a light intensity of over 80 Lux. Lights are turned on when it gets dark and kept on until around midnight, then turned off. The timing is adjusted based on the natural day-night cycle.
During the first 25 days of this long-light treatment, the daily light duration is maintained at 19 hours. From day 26 to 40, it’s reduced to 18.5 hours, and then to 18 hours on day 41. Initially, feed remains unchanged as the geese are still in the laying phase. After about a week, egg production begins to decline, and feed is gradually reduced. By the end of the first month, egg production stops, and male and female geese are separated with feed reduced to 75 grams per bird per day.
Around 28 days after the long-light treatment, male geese are plucked, removing primary wing and tail feathers. A three-day fast precedes the process, and antibiotics are administered afterward to prevent infection. One month later, the females are also plucked, and they are not allowed to swim immediately; instead, they are given time to recover before being reintroduced to water.
On day 62 of the long-light treatment, the light duration is shortened to 13 hours per day. By day 87, both males and females are grouped together, receiving 13 hours of light daily. Feed is increased to 175 grams per bird, and egg production begins in early March of the following year. At that point, feed is further increased to 225 grams per bird, with 20–30% duck feed added for extra nutrition. Once the first egg is laid, the light is reduced to 11 hours per day, maintaining this schedule until the end of the year.
Other key measures include building well-ventilated barns with proper drainage, using light-shielding materials to control light exposure, and managing nesting behaviors effectively. Nesting geese should be moved to special areas and given access to water to speed up the waking-up process. Green feed is crucial, with each goose requiring 0.5–1 kg of fresh vegetation daily. Supplemental nutrients, vitamins, and antibiotics are also important, especially during hot weather and disease prevention.
Regular disinfection using multiple types of disinfectants helps maintain hygiene, and vaccination against diseases like avian flu, gosling plague, and E. coli is essential before production begins.
Zhang Zhihong
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province
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