Physiology of the growing and adult goose

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Abstract
Ten males and 10 female geese, reared under standard range methods, were blood sampled at 4‐week intervals from 1 to 20 weeks of age. Another group of birds (10 males and 10 females) were sampled through their first reproductive cycle (34–59 weeks of age) at about 4‐week intervals. Analysis on individual samples included plasma chloride, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and whole blood pH determinations. Plasma glucose was determined during the reproductive phase only. In the growing phase, plasma chloride increased from 99 to 107 meg./l while plasma inorganic phosphorus declined after 4 weeks of age. Plasma calcium was relatively constant at 10–11 mg. per cent during growth. Blood pH rose from 1 to 4 weeks then declined. Marked sex differences occurred in the reproductive period. Blood pH and plasma chloride of the females fell significantly below male levels while calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels increased in the females. At the termination of production sex differences did not exist. Plasma glucose did not change significantly during the reproductive phase.