Some studies on behavioural, physiological and productive aspects in Egyptian goslings kept under two systems of management

ABSTRACT

The behavioral and physiological performance of 20 young Egyptian goslings were studied under two systems of management [confined and open systems]. Birds were divided into 2 equal groups, each of 10, 6-week old goslings. The study was conducted for 6 consecutive weeks in the Department of Hygiene and Animal Ethology. Obtained results revealed that goslings kept in open system and showed a marked increase in feed consumption [kg] have good feathering and obtained a 2.19 kg final body weight. While goslings kept in confinement showed less feed consumption, poor feathering and they obtained 1.696 kg final body weight. Goslings in open system were more active, feed searching, ground pecking, playful, contented, sleeping and sunbathing, more performing comfort movements than do goslings in confinement. The ethogram of goslings in open system was timed by nature than the ethogram of those in confinement. No significant differences in RBCs [million/ml], Hb% MCV, MCH, PCV and MCHC [P <0.01] were found between goslings of the two systems of management