Conduct research and investment projects to develop product and process innovations related to the development of a new type of meat goose. Develop feeding technology that minimizes the time needed to reach slaughter weight while maintaining positive

Project title: Conduct research and investment projects to develop product and process innovations related to the development of a new type of meat goose. Develop feeding technology that minimizes the time needed to reach slaughter weight while maintaining positive quality effects.

The main benefits of the project

The application of the project results enables goose farmers to obtain a new, heavier type of bird with a body weight exceeding 7 kg, increasing the market value of carcasses and living birds. By using domestic protein sources such as lupin and faba beans, feed costs can be reduced and dependence on imported soy minimized, protecting producers from foreign market price fluctuations. The new feeding system improves meat quality - making in juicier, with a healthier fat profile, and meeting consumer demand for local, non-GMO products. For farmers, this translates into higher profitability and stronger market position, while consumers gain access to healthier, premium-quality goose meat.

The new feeding system improves meat quality—it is juicier, has a more favorable fat composition, and better meets the expectations of consumers looking for local and GMO-free products. For farmers, this means greater profitability and a better market position, and for consumers, access to healthier, high-quality goose meat.

Results achieved

The operation aimed to develop a new type of meat goose through crossbreeding two German lines (Tapphorn and Eskildsen) and implementing an alternative feeding system based on domestic protein sources such as yellow lupin and faba beans. One of the key objectives was to obtain a heavier goose with a body weight exceeding 7 kg fed on an alternative, locally sourced diet - a goal successfully achieved in the experimental groups.

Crossbreed populations were created, followed by rearing and fattening trials to evaluate growth, feed conversion, carcass yield, and meat consumption. Results confirmed the positive impact of heterosis and alternative diets on production traits and meat nutritional value, including higher PUFA content and improved n-6:m-3 ratio. The developed technology reduces dependence on imported soybean meal, aligning with the European Green Deal and "Farm to Fork" strategy. The project provides a foundation for introducing a new heavy meat goose population and a sustainable feeding system based on local, non-GMO protein sources.

Additional comments

The operation is the first example in Poland of crossbreeding German geese using an alternative feeding system based entirely on domestic protein sources. The results obtained confirmed the possibility of creating a heavier meat goose with a body weight of over 7 kg, which paves the way for the introduction of a new type of bird for commercial production. The project is in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, reducing soy imports and promoting local, sustainable feeding solutions. The operation also provided unique data that can form the basis for future selection programs for a new goose population.