Prophylactic care for goslings typically begins after they are moved to the brooding area. Once they have rested, they should be allowed to drink water. For the first day, provide them with 5% multi-dimensional glucose or 5% to 8% sucrose water to boost their energy levels and help eliminate meconium. On day two, offer 0.02% potassium permanganate solution to clean and disinfect their digestive system. By day three, introduce a 0.1% solution of Andrographis and Radix (Daiqingye) to detoxify and sterilize the stomach. From days four to seven, administer a mixture of 0.02% oxytetracycline and doxycycline (10–20 mg per liter) along with sand to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. If goslings show signs of anorexia, wheezing, or abnormal feces, treat them immediately with 0.03% oxytetracycline or kanamycin at 30–120 mg per liter, twice daily for 2–3 days.
During the first three days, it is best to provide warm water, ensuring they drink at least six to eight times a day. After long-distance transport or periods without water, dehydration can occur, indicated by dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, dry skin on the ankles, and weight loss. To address this, raise the brooding temperature to 30–32°C, provide saltwater-soaked leaves for feeding, then introduce fine feed, and finally offer water in small amounts to avoid overconsumption. After one hour, begin offering soaked millet, broken rice, or half-baked rice. Avoid sticky or spoiled food. You can also use steamed cornmeal noodles mixed with bran or cornmeal to create small particles. Feed them on a mat or dark plastic sheet to encourage eating. Gradually introduce green feed. Feed six to eight times daily, including two to three times at night, ensuring consistent and controlled portions to avoid overeating. After 2–3 days, transition to regular, measured feeding. At four days old, introduce 1% river sand (1–1.5 mm in size) to aid digestion. Rinse the sand thoroughly before feeding, and repeat once a week. Always feed and open feeds regularly to prevent "garbage licking" and ensure proper nutrition.
Temperature, humidity, and stocking density are crucial during brooding. The ideal temperature should remain stable, avoiding sudden changes that could harm the goslings' health. A thermometer should be placed about 8 cm above the bedding. Keep the environment dry to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues and coccidiosis. Temperature and humidity vary depending on the age: 1–5 days: 27–28°C, 65–75% humidity; 6–10 days: 25–26°C, 60–65% humidity; 11–15 days: 22–24°C, 60–65% humidity; 16–20 days: 20–22°C, 65–70% humidity. Stocking density also decreases as goslings grow.
Ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality. Ensure the brooding area is well-ventilated but avoid direct drafts on the goslings. A fresh atmosphere promotes faster growth and higher survival rates. Light is also important—provide 24–23 hours of light for the first 3 days, gradually reducing to 18 hours by day 15, and eventually using natural light. Use a 40W bulb for every 15 square meters in the first week, and a 25W bulb afterward, positioned about 2 meters above the goslings.
For grazing, select a nearby, flat, grassy area that is clean and quiet. It’s best to group goslings by age and size. Begin grazing when the weather is warm, usually between 7–11 days old, and avoid midday heat or storms. After grazing, allow them to rest in a shallow pond briefly before returning to the brooding area. As they grow, increase grazing time and distance while reducing daytime feeding. Aim for 5–6 full meals per day, where the gosling's crop feels full and its feathers are dry before returning.
Vaccination is also critical. At 1–2 days old, inject 0.5–1 ml of gosling plague antiserum or goat goose immune yolk antibody. At 3 days old, administer a 10-fold diluted gosling vaccine (0.2 ml). At 5–7 days, give 0.3 ml of paramyxovirus oil emulsion vaccine. At 5–10 days, administer duck attenuated vaccine (0.5 ml). At around 30 days, spray 0.1% insecticide to control external parasites.
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