The Roman goose is an Italian breed of domestic goose. It is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose, bred more than 2000 years ago and originally sacred to the goddess Juno.
These are a light weight smaller breed of geese with a tuft of feathers on their head. They are either solid white or spotted white and brown.[1]
History
editSometime in the early 4th century BC, as the Gauls attempted to sneak into Rome under cover of night, it is said that the honking of Roman geese alerted the Romans and saved the capitol. In honour of this, the Romans later founded a temple to Juno, to whom the geese were considered sacred. Geese were also revered in the supplicia canum annual sacrifice.
Description
editThese are a light weight smaller breed of geese with a tuft of feathers on their head. These geese are only admitted if they are solid white.[1] No marking is allowed for them to be considered Roman Tuft. Roman Tuft consist of solid white, but some can have brown or tan spots. They show rosy pink beaks and feet or red-orange. All have bright blue eyes. The goose is of medium length and weight and generally long neck. Roman tuft are a generally docile breed and good watch-geese.[2]
Uses
editIn the modern period, it is kept for a range of purposes such as for meat and eggs depending on location. It is a popular exhibition breed in North America, where it is more commonly known as the tufted Roman goose and possesses a crest. In Europe, it is primarily kept as a utility meat breed,[3] while in Australia, they are used for both purposes. Crests are optional in Europe and Australia.
Eggs
editRoman geese can live up to 25 years and lay between 25 and 35 eggs per year. An egg takes 28 to 30 days for incubation.[2] If you continuously take their eggs they will lay more than the average amount.[2]
These geese will begin to lay early spring. During this time the head gander will become aggressive.
Showing
editWhen showing Roman Tuft Geese, you want a goose free of any dirt, or discoloration. Red feet and beak are a large fault and are not to be bred for. Select a goose with a medium paunch. Females will have larger paunches especially during laying season. [2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Roman Tufted Geese". Heritage Poultry Conservancy. 2019-12-26. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ a b c d Limited, Victorian Poultry Fanciers Association (2011). Australian poultry standards (2nd ed.). Ballarat, Vic.: Victorian Poultry Fanciers Association Limited. pp. 315–316. ISBN 9781921488238. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
{{cite book}}:|last1=has generic name (help) - ^ "ROMAN GOOSE". livestockconservancy. The Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
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