Brooding is a critical aspect of goose farming, directly impacting the economic returns. Goslings, from hatching to 20 days old, have underdeveloped down, weak thermoregulation, and limited digestive capabilities. They are sensitive to cold, heat, and dampness. Here are key brooding techniques to ensure their health and growth:
1. **Preparation of Brooding Area**
Two weeks before hatching, thoroughly clean the brooding house. Disinfect the floor and walls with 10% fresh lime water, and wash equipment with 2% caustic soda. Ensure all feeding and watering facilities, lighting, insulation, and ventilation systems are in place.
2. **Selecting Healthy Goslings**
The quality of goslings greatly affects survival and growth. Choose goslings from vaccinated parents. Use the "look and touch" method: observe their vitality and feather condition, then check the abdomen for fullness and responsiveness when handled. Ideal goslings should be uniform in size, have dry and tight navels, well-absorbed yolk sacs, clean feathers, and show strong energy and resistance.
3. **Safe Transportation**
Avoid extreme temperatures during transport. In cold weather, use enclosed vehicles; in hot weather, transport in the evening or with open boxes. Overloading should be avoided. Dehydration can occur during long trips. To check dehydration, let goslings drink water; if they show signs like neck bending and leg twitching, provide warm saline solution and gradually reintroduce food.
4. **Timely Feeding and Hydration**
Provide water and feed within 24 hours after hatching. Start with diluted potassium permanganate solution, then switch to warm boiled water. For the first few days, feed cooked millet, rice, or cornmeal mixed with egg yolk. Feed 6-8 times daily, gradually introducing green feed from day 4 onward. Avoid sudden changes in diet.
5. **Appropriate Feeding Practices**
Goslings need easily digestible, fresh feed. If commercial feed isn't available, use rice, broken rice, or cornmeal. Green feeds like lettuce or cabbage should be washed and cut into small pieces. Monitor feed amounts based on age—adjust as goslings grow. Avoid dry feed to prevent bloating.
6. **Temperature and Humidity Control**
Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels. For example, 28–27°C for the first five days, decreasing gradually. Monitor gosling behavior to adjust conditions. High humidity can cause respiratory issues, while low humidity may lead to dehydration. Keep the house dry, avoid water accumulation, and replace bedding regularly.
7. **Proper Feeding Equipment and Density**
Use appropriately sized troughs for different ages. Stocking density should decrease as goslings grow—around 20–35 per square meter in the first two weeks, reducing over time. Group sizes should be manageable for better care.
8. **Grazing and Water Introduction**
Grazing improves adaptability and digestion. Start grazing at 5–6 days old when it's warm, and delay until 15–20 days in colder weather. Gradually increase grazing time and distance. Allow goslings to swim in water once their feathers are fully grown, ensuring they are healthy and dry.
9. **Disease Prevention and Management**
Maintain cleanliness, disinfect regularly, and monitor temperature at night. Vaccinate goslings early and administer antibiotics through water to prevent diseases like salmonella and colibacillosis. Ensure good hygiene and pest control to protect the flock.
By following these practices, farmers can significantly improve gosling survival rates, growth performance, and overall profitability in goose production.
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