Goslings with a reduced quality score can be reared as effectively as those with a full quality score in a...

This study aimed to compare parameters influencing the rearing efficiency of geese that received either a full quality score or a reduced quality score on their first day of life. A sample of 480 birds was randomly selected from goslings assigned by hatchery staff to the full and reduced quality score categories, with 240 birds (120 males and 120 females) per group. Goslings were evaluated using several specific criteria: level of activity, navel area, presence of remaining yolk, development of legs, appearance of eyes and fluff, and status of the remaining membrane. Goslings in the full quality score group received the maximum total score of 100 points. Goslings in the reduced quality score group had lower scores, with abnormalities predominantly associated with the navel area (>90% of birds). Geese were assigned to six replicates of 80 birds each (40 birds with a full quality score and 40 birds with a reduced quality score) and reared in a semi-intensive production system until they reached 20 weeks of age. During the rearing period, body weight (BW) and mortality rate were monitored, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. At 20 weeks of age, 72 geese (36 from each subgroup) were slaughtered and subjected to a comprehensive carcass analysis. The reduced quality score group exhibited a decelerated growth rate until approximately 5 weeks of age (P < 0.05). However, from 6 to 20 weeks of age, the BW of geese of both sexes in both experimental groups was comparable (P > 0.05). The reduced quality of goslings on the first day of life did not affect FCR or mortality over the entire rearing period. Female geese from the reduced quality score group had a higher proportion of leg muscles in BW and carcass weight (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively) and a lower proportion of intestines in BW (P = 0.038). The full and reduced quality score groups showed no significant differences in other carcass traits (P > 0.05). In conclusion, goslings classified by hatchery staff as second-grade quality, i.e., reduced health quality but not posing a direct threat to survival, can be successfully reared in a semi-intensive production system.