Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The Landes Goose is a robust, medium-to-large dual-purpose breed developed in the Landes region of southwestern France. It is primarily kept for meat production, but its adaptability to pasture makes it suitable for extensive or semi-extensive farming. Typical weights and productivity (rough ranges) vary with management but give a reference point: hens commonly reach 6–7.5 kg; cocks 9–11 kg; birds reach slaughter weight around 16–22 weeks of age under good feeding. Reproductive output is moderate: 25–40 eggs per year; average egg weight 180–210 g; incubation period about 28–30 days and hatch rates around 85%. The Landes Goose is known for its calm temperament and good foraging ability, making it suitable for free-range systems and damp, marshy environments of the Landes. It supports regional meat markets and traditional regional dishes, including occasional foie gras programs on some farms.
Detailed Origin
The Landes Goose originated in the Landes department in southwestern France, in a landscape characterized by marshes and large grazing areas. It was developed by local farmers through selection of native geese and introductions from other meat breeds to improve size, carcass quality and robustness for outdoor conditions. The breed gained regional recognition in the 19th and early 20th centuries and remains a traditional component of rural poultry farming in Gascony and surrounding areas. It is typically raised under extensive or semi-extensive regimes, relying on pasture and crop residues in addition to supplemental feed.
Detailed Description
Physical characteristics: large goose with predominantly white plumage; orange beak and legs; long neck; deep, broad chest and strong legs. Behaviour and husbandry: calm, relatively hardy, and well adapted to outdoor conditions; commonly managed in pasture-based systems with supplemental grain-based feed. Health and production: generally healthy with good fertility; moderate broodiness; reliable hatch rates under standard incubation conditions. Growth and meat: steady early growth on pasture supplemented with grains; meat quality is appreciated for tenderness and flavor; the breed’s rusticity makes it a good choice for regional farms seeking traditional, locally produced poultry meat.