Changes in carcase composition, gastrointestinal morphometry and leg bone dimensions in different goose genotypes after a four-year reproductive period.

1. The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of three goose genotypes (Rypińska, Suwalska, Kartuska) after a four-year laying period at the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Waterfowl Genetic Resources Station in Dworzyska. It examined carcase composition as well as morphometric parameters of their digestive system and leg bones.2. In total, 42 goose carcases comprised of seven females and seven males from each genotype were analysed. The traits investigated included those of carcase weight, breast and leg muscle and giblet weight (heart, stomach, forestomach, liver and spleen). The length and diameter of each intestinal segment were then measured, as well as the weight and measurements of the femur and tibia bones. The percentage of the length of the intestinal segments in the whole intestine was calculated.3. The genotype of the birds significantly affected (p < 0.05) the weight of the breast muscle, leg muscle, proventriculus and diameter of the terminal intestine. In contrast, the sex of the birds affected the weight of the carcase, pectoral muscles, leg muscles, heart and liver. Gender influenced the length of the duodenum, entire intestine, diameter of the terminal intestine and certain dimensions of the femur and tibia.4. The results showed the differences between genotypes and sexes in carcase weight, muscle and giblets, individual length of gut sections, femur and tibia dimensions.