Roman goose

The Roman goose is an Italian breed of domestic goose. It is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose, bred more than 2000 years ago and originally sacred to the goddess Juno.

Roman tufted goose

History
See also: Battle of the Allia and Supplicia canum

Sometime in the late 4th century BC, as the Gauls attempted to sneak into Rome under cover of night, it is said that the honking of Roman geese alerted the Romans and saved the capitol. In honour of this, the Romans later founded a temple to Juno, to whom the geese were considered sacred. Geese were also revered in the supplicia canum annual sacrifice.

Uses

In the modern period, it is kept for a range of purposes such as for meat and eggs depending on location. It is a popular exhibition breed in North America, where it is more commonly known as the tufted Roman goose and possesses a crest. In Europe, it is primarily kept as a utility meat breed,[1] while in Australia, they are used for both purposes. Crests are optional in Europe and Australia.

Eggs

Roman geese can live up to 25 years and lay between 25 and 35 eggs per year. An egg takes 28 to 30 days for incubation.[2]

Roman Tufted Geese

See also

References
  1. "ROMAN GOOSE". livestockconservancy. The Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  2. Limited, Victorian Poultry Fanciers Association (2011). Australian poultry standards (2nd ed.). Ballarat, Vic.: Victorian Poultry Fanciers Association Limited. pp. 315–316. ISBN 9781921488238. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
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