The Toulouse goose, also known in Spain under the name of the goose of Toulouse without a bib. It is known in France with the name of “Oie de Toulouse Agricole” being originally from the Southwest of France, in areas bordering the city of Toulouse. The origin of these Ocas Toulouse agricultural types is the same as that of the other breeds of European geese. All of them come from the gray goose species Anser anser.
This species is distributed practically throughout Europe, Siberia, and even the Pacific. The Standard Dewlap Toulouse is a huge bird that has been known to pack on the pounds. The heaviest specimen ever recorded weighed over thirty pounds – and they’re not even done growing yet!
Characteristics of Toulouse Goose
Toulouse goose is the bird most used by small farms and farms for obtaining foie gras. The color is similar to that of the bib. It is considered a heavy race. The volume excludes neither the slenderness of forms nor the agility in the walk. Its plumage is abundant, tight, but less dense on the rump and thighs than on the back and chest. It puts about 40 eggs a year. The male adult of this breed’s weight is 8 to 10 Kgs. In males. While the females weigh between 6 to 8 Kgs.
It is a migratory species, making trips of thousands of km. Its flight in the form of “V” inverted, obeys the laws of Physics and is very characteristic. They are intelligent and supportive animals:
- When a goose falls ill, its two companions of the formation, follow him to help him and protect him, until he is the cure or dies. Only then do they return to the flock.
- When the leader tires, its go to the back seat and another goose takes its place.
- The geese that go behind, sing to stimulate those who go ahead.
The domestic variant of Gray goose is not able to fly. They are very nice birds and at the same time, rustic, they adapt easily to the climate, having a clear predilection for winter, cold and rainy seasons. In climates where high temperatures are reached, to avoid heatstroke it is important that they have water for bathing and especially fresh shade.
They are very graceful birds and enjoy human company, especially if they have had close contact since childhood. The Toulouse is known for its heavy appearance and large chins were in the past the most used race for the production of foie gras. At present, the goose of Toulouse is not used to obtain fatty liver. Since its large size makes it unmanageable to gobble up.
Its interest lies in its use to increase the prolificacy of other races. Thus, its crossing with the goose of Emhden improves its yields by 40%. Sexual maturity, both in the male and the female, is usually reached before one year of age. It is not strange that females with nine months start laying and males of the same age, are fertile. If it is true, young females lay eggs of lower weight and are sometimes infertile for this reason.
Food
Toulouse goose is an herbivorous animal, being lovers of tender grass, including clover, alfalfa and grass sprout. As well as fruits varied according to the region of their habitat, including apples, pears, grapes, watermelons. And of some vegetables like carrots, cabbages, lettuce, beets.
Similarly, their diet also includes different amounts of grains such as corn, wheat, oats, barley, and peas. The young, in the first days of life, are more demanding in their protein intake. Therefore they will require a starting feed with a minimum of 20%. You may also like to read Shetland duck.
Special Feature
Toulouse goose this race because of its large size and its special constitution, have difficulties copulating. For this to be effective it is essential that the breeders have a container with water, which is neither too large nor too deep. The fertility of this breed is usually low and can be null, usually due to the difficulty in copulating. You may also like to read Pomeranian Duck.
This race of agricultural Toulouse, its reproduction was popular in the last century, to the detriment of the bib for three fundamental reasons: The goose that was used previously was one of the bibs, but the women who were the ones who normally did the work of gobbling complained of their high weight and the difficulty that they had to handle it. This oca of Toulouse agricultural practically duplicated the putting with respect to those of bib. It produced a greater yield in its liver, in relation to the expenses of food.
FAQ
Are Toulouse geese friendly?
Toulouse geese are some of the most friendly domesticated waterfowl around! Originating from Southwest France and Northern Spain, this gentle breed is a calm, easygoing duck that loves to interact with humans. They tend to be much more social than many other breeds, making them perfect pets for those who want companionship from their birds. Toulouse geese are usually good-natured birds and possess strong maternal instincts, making them great mothers in addition to being great playmates for children.
What are Toulouse geese good for?
Toulouse geese are incredibly versatile animals, and there is a plethora of things that these remarkable birds are useful for. One of their most important uses is as egg-layers; they lay very large eggs with thick shells which makes them excellent producers of white table eggs. They can produce up to 100 eggs per year and make wonderful pet birds due to their docile nature and good looks.
Are Toulouse geese noisy?
Yes, Toulouse geese can be quite noisy. They are naturally vocal animals and they have a range of loud honks, growls, and hisses that can carry up to 1 km away. Furthermore, during breeding season their calls become more frequent and louder which means you may hear them from even farther away.
Conclusion
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As a reference: Wikipedia
