Studies with Confinement-Reared Goslings

Two hundred Embden goslings were raised to 11 weeks of age on wire in total confinement and fed a corn-soybean meal diet to which was added 0, 20, or 40% dehydrated alfalfa (DA) or 20% or 40% dehydrated Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) in either mash or pelleted forms. Biweekly body weight data revealed no significant differences at any age with no apparent crude fiber or saponin effects. Total feed consumption per gosling was the least for the 20% KBG treatment, higher in the control and 20% DA treatments, and highest in the 40% KBG and 40% DA treatments. Feed conversion was not significantly different for goslings fed the control, 20% DA, or 20% KBG diets, but the conversions of 40% supplemented diets were significantly poorer. Mean acid detergent fiber digestibility increased with the level of fiber in the diet to a maximum of 21.4% in the 40% DA treatment. Least cost comparisons indicate possible economic advantages of high forage and low energy diets over corn-soy diets. Feather growth was good in all treatments. Visual assessment of finish and pinniness indicated processing should be done during the 9th or 10th week under similar management and dietary conditions. Mean carcass yield in the 40% DA, 20% KBG, and 40% KBG treatments were greater than in the control and 20% DA treatments.