Feed Loss in Cup Drinkers in Geese Production

Abstract

The feed losses in drinkers and behavior of geese in two different systems (intensive and free-range) were investigated in this study. Day old age 216 Turkish geese were randomly allocated among 16 pens interspersed within windowed houses, each holding 12-14 goslings. All goslings were reared indoors until the end of 6 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of age, birds in the 'free-range' outdoor system were given 13-hour access. The amount of feed merged into drinkers determined weekly. The effect of production system on feed loss was significant between weeks of 7-18, and the amount of feed loss in free-range system was found higher than indoor (P<0.05). Highest feed lost was determined at 16 weeks of age. Daily mean feed loss in drinkers per goose was calculated between 9.55 and 15.93 g. It has been determined that significant amount of feed loss related to drinkers in geese production.