Abstract
Egg laying is an important reproductive behavior of female poultry. Here, we investigated the laying behavior and clutch traits of different goose breeds, specifically, Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides), Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides) and Hungarian geese (Anser anser). A total of 108 geese in their first laying year were selected. Their laying rhythm was monitored daily by video cameras during the egg-laying period. The results showed that the prenatal behavior included nest hunting, nest site selection and nesting, as well as laying behavior included prenatal crouching, anal contraction until oviposition and postnatal resting. There were some differences in laying times among the 3 breeds. Approximately 70% of the eggs were laid between 03:00 and 12:00 in Zhedong white geese and Sichuan white geese, while the Hungarian geese laid throughout the day. Also, the clutch length and the oviposition interval differed among these 3 breeds. Their average clutch lengths were approximately 14.07, 12.14 and 19.15 days in Zhedong white geese, Sichuan white geese, and Hungarian geese, respectively. While their oviposition intervals showed 2 peaks (39 and 47 h), 3 peaks (41, 50 and 53 h), and 1 peak (46 h). Moreover, there were significant correlation between egg yield and clutch length in Zhedong white geese (r = 0.951), Sichuan white geese (r = 0.987) and Hungarian geese (r = 0.991), respectively. Taken together, the difference in laying behavior among the breeds was mainly reflected in laying time and oviposition intervals, Zhedong white geese and Sichuan white geese have egg laying time preference and short oviposition intervals, which was helpful not only to understand egg-laying process, but also to manage egg-laying geese scientifically and improve egg production.