Improving Gander Reproductive Efficacy in the Context of Globally Sustainable Goose Production

SIMPLE SUMMARY: High economic gains from commercial poultry breeder stocks cannot be achieved by ignoring the importance of highly efficient male breeders. Male stock provides the basis for progeny and also ensures optimum fertility and hatchability. The present review is written to explore the application of various techniques that can assist in improving the reproductive efficiency of goose ganders, which exhibit poor reproductive performance. Recommended techniques for improving gander reproduction are the use of an artificial photoperiod, nutritional supplementation, monochromatic light sources, artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation, as well as immunization against the leptin hormone, anti-Müllerian hormone, and glycoprotein inhibin. ABSTRACT: The goose is a popular poultry species, and in the past two decades the goose industry has become highly profitable across the globe. Ganders low reproductive performance remains a barrier to achieving high fertility and hatchability in subsequent flocks. To address the global demand for cheaper animal protein, various methodologies for improving avian (re)production should be explored. A large amount of literature is available on reproduction traits and techniques for commercial chicken breeder flocks, while research on improved reproduction in ganders has been carried out to a lesser extent. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview focusing on recent advancements/techniques used in improving gander reproductive efficacy in the context of ensuring a globally sustainable goose industry.