Preference of Selected Grains by Geese

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Abstract
The preference of 12 livetrapped adult geese for several grains was tested over a 49-day period. During this time the average daily consumption per goose was approximately 182 grams. Rice (Oryza sativa) was preferred 2 1 over barnyard grass or watergrass (Echinochloa crusgalli) but watergrass was preferred 5-6:1 over milo (Sorgum vulgare), alkali bulrush (Scirpus robustus) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), 9 : 1 over barley (Hordeum vulgare) and 12 : 1 over lana vetch (Vicia dasy-carpa). Examination of the stomach contents of wild geese in the Sacramento Valley by personnel of the California Department of Fish and Game also indicated that the volume of rice consumed was from 1.5-7 times greater than that of watergrass. Marked increases in grain consumption were associated with sudden declines in minimum air temperature, increased air movement, or a sudden lessening of daily air temperature fluctuations. Blood chemistry tests verified that these geese maintained a healthy nutritional state.

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