In General: Goose in the Alps

Description

The house goose (Anser anser domesticus) is the largest domestic water bird of the Alps. All European geese races and types are derived from the grey goose (Anser anser). It is an indigenous breeding bird of the Alps. Domestication took place about 10,000 years ago. Until the mid-20th century geese were common to the entire Alps in usually very similar types.

Distribution in the past and today

All of the Alps

Utilization

Meat, fat, liver fat, feathers, guard animals which alert by their sounds.

Performance

Up to 60 eggs. 5.5-7.5kg weight at Slaughter.

Customs

Already the Celts used geese as house and Cult animals. The Celtic druids used the weather-feeling birds for forecasts. At the 11. November, when the Pleiades appear on the sky, a ritual slaughtering of geese takes place. The Celts considered this star event as the beginning of winter. In many parts of Austria, Switzerland and Bavaria the 11th November, the Martin's Day, is still celebrated with a traditional goose meal.

Miscellaneous

Male geese=Gänserich, Ganser, Ganterich, Ganter. Goose chicken=Gänsel, Gössel