Analysis of fattening effects in Zhedong white geese at different ages

ABSTRACT To explore the impact of age on the fattening effects in Zhedong white geese, this experiment selected 240 geese to undergo a three-week fattening period starting at 49 d and 70 d. The results showed that the final weight and feed-to-gain ratios (F/G) in the first and second weeks were significantly higher in the geese that started fattening at 70d compared to those starting at 49d (P<0.05). The F/G ratio in the third week was significantly lower in the 70d group compared to the 49d group (P<0.05). Additionally, the weights of the breast muscle, leg muscle, abdominal fat, intestinal fat, gizzard pH, and heart were significantly higher in the 70d group (P<0.05). The meat color L values and b* values of the breast and leg muscles were higher in the 70d group, while the leg muscle pH was significantly higher in the 49d group (P<0.05). Overall, the analysis suggests that starting fattening at 70d can improve the final weight and slaughter performance of Zhedong white geese but also increases the F/G ratio and reduces carcass quality and meat color. Therefore, the fattening effects are superior when started at 49d.