The Roman goose is a breed of domestic goose from Italy. It is bred more than 2,000 years ago and originally sacred to the Goddess Juno. And the breed is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose.
Depending on the location, the breed is kept for a range of purposes. In North America the Roman goose is a popular exhibition breed. And it is known as the Tufted Roman goose in North America.
It is used for both ornamental and meat production purpose in Australia. But it is mainly raised as a utility meat breed in Europe.
The breed has a crest over it’s head which is mandatory in North America, but the crests are optional in Australia and Europe. Read more information about the breed below.
Roman Goose Characteristics
The Roman goose is relatively a smaller sized breed. According to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection, the breed should be pure white in color, although some strains have buff or gray feathers.
The goslings may show some grey coloration, but this coloration is often molted in the first year. Eyes of the birds are of blue color, and the bills and legs are pinkish or reddish orange.
The breed is fine-boned and plump, the body is round and fall with a uniformly broad back.
Breast and abdomen of the Roman goose is full and well rounded, and the paunch has dual lobes, though it is not heavy. Their wings are strong and the tail is short.
Neck of the birds is of medium length, stout and only slightly arched. The tuft of feathers on their crown, for which they are named, begins just over the eyes and inclines backward. The tuft appears somewhat like a tiny bicycle helmet perched on top of the goose head.
Head of the birds is oval. The Roman geese on average weight around 4.5 kg. And average live body weight of the ganders is around 5.5 kg. Photo and info from Livestock Conservancy and Wikipedia.
Uses
Currently the Roman goose is raised for a a range of purposes depending on location. It is raised mainly as a utility meat breed in Europe and raised as a ornamental breed in North America. But it is raised for both meat and ornamental purposes in Australia.
Special Notes
The Roman goose is mainly a utility breed. They are moderate egg layer, and the breeders can except about 25-35 eggs per year.
The breed is raised mainly as a utility bird in Europe, and it is bred for rapid maturing, small and meaty carcass. But the breed is raised largely as an ornamental breed in North America, and bred for a distinguishing crest or tuft.
The breed is generally calm and pleasant. They are very alert and make good watchdogs. The breed produce a plump roasting bird, despite their smaller size. The ganders are very strong and they can be mated with 2-4 geese.
However, review full breed profile of the Roman goose in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Roman | |
| Other Name | Tufted Roman | |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, ornamental, watchdog | |
| Special Notes | Moderate egg layer, raised as a utility breed in Europe, raised for ornamental purposes in North America, calm, pleasant, very alert, some ganders can be aggressive | |
| Breed Class | Small | |
| Ganders | Around 5.5 Kg | |
| Geese | Around 4.5 Kg | |
| Broodiness | Good | |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates | |
| Egg Color | White | |
| Egg Size | Large | |
| Egg Productivity | 25-35 eggs per year | |
| Flying Ability | Average | |
| Varieties | Single | |
| Rarity | Critical | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Italy |
