Growth and Development of Canada Goose Goslings

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Abstract
Under natural conditions, goslings of Cackling Canada Geese (Branta canadensis minima) grew more rapidly (k = 0.074, Gompertz equation) that ducks but at a rate similar to other arctic nesting geese. Lipid levels in 2-day-old goslings were sufficient to meet energy requirements for less than one additional day. The liver, legs, and components of the gastrointestinal tract in Cackling Geese were relatively larger at hatching than in altricial birds. These tissues completed growth about three weeks before fledging as compared to one week in similar sized altricial birds. Early growth of digestive organs is probably related to the herbaceous diet of geese. Comparison of growth patterns of gallinaceous birds with those of geese superficially supports Ricklefs'' hypothesis that proportion of mature tissue at hatching regulates growth rates. Examination of growth within the Anatidae, however, suggests that temporal patterns in food quality and availability may have been important influences in the evolution of growth patterns in these species.