Effect of Repeated Gathering and Age on the Quality of Zatorska Goose Feathers

摘要

We investigated a reproductive flock of Zatorska geese. The birds were divided into four groups: three-year-old ganders (n=10), and one-, two-, and three-year-old layers (n=30). Mature feathers were collected from the birds between July and September (i.e., after breeding). Before collection, the feathers and down were evaluated to determine their maturity. The quantitative composition of each sample of feathers was evaluated manually. The evaluated quality traits of the feathers were turbidity of an aqueous extract, acidity, oxygen index number, and fat content. The data were analyzed using the SAS statistical package with multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures.