Like African geese, the young grow relatively fast and have lean meat. In contrast to heavier geese, they produce a high rate of fertile eggs even when breeding on land rather than on water. Thanks to their light weight and strong wings, they can readily fly over an inadequate fence. Being both active and small, they do a good job of seeking out emerging weeds while inflicting little damage on established crops. This domestic goose breed is the one most commonly employed for controlling weeds. Like the African, Chinese geese need protective winter shelter to prevent frostbitten knobs. It may be either white and brown, with the brown variety having a larger knob than the white. Originating in China, the Chinese goose is similar in appearance to the African but lacks the dewlap. Both domestic goose breeds are active, curious, and relatively quiet. The Tufted is hardier and somewhat more prolific than the American Buff. The American Tufted Buff is a separate breed (developed by crossing American Buff with Tufted Roman), but similar except for having a bunch of feathers sprouting from the top of its head. This goose is known for being docile, friendly, and affectionate. Africans, like Chinese, tend to have leaner meat than other breeds, and the young ganders grow fast-reaching 18 pounds in as many weeks.ĭeveloped in North America for commercial meat production, the American Buff is a pale brown goose with brown eyes. This breed is among the most talkative and also among the calmest, making it easy to confine. Because the knob is easily frostbitten, Africans must be sheltered in cold weather. The brown variety, with its black knob and bill, and brown stripe down the back of its neck, is more common than the white variety with orange knob and bill. The African is a graceful goose with a knob on top of its head and a dewlap under its chin. The origin of African geese is unknown they are most likely related to Chinese geese. To grow meat as naturally and as economically as possible, foraging ability is also important.
Another important aspect is plumage color - the white-feathered breeds are easier to pluck clean. The main criterion when choosing a breed to raise for meat is to select a size that is appropriate for the number of people you plan to feed. Most domestic goose breeds have been developed primarily to raise for meat, although some are bred with emphasis on ornamental attributes, such as curly feathers or head tufts.