Abstract: Effects of additions of the by-product from citric acid fermentation of corn in diet on the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of Yangzhou geese were studied. 160 Yangzhou geese 21 days old were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 5 males and 5 females each. The control group was fed with corn-soybean meal, while Group A, B and C the basal feed with added 5%, 10%, and 15%of the by-product,respectively. The results showed (1) no significant difference on the average daily weight gains among all groups (P>0.05); (2) a significantly higher percent half-eviscerated yield from Group B than Group A (P<0.05), as well as the percent eviscerated yield from Group B than control or Group A (P<0.05), and a significant higher meat portion from the legs of Group C than control (P<0.05); (3) a significantly lower shear force(i.e., more tender) on leg muscle and water exudate on breast meat of Group C than control (P<0.05); (4) a significantly higher Ca content in leg muscles of Group C than control (P<0.05). Thus, addition of the fermentation by-product to the soybean meal in less than 15% could be recommended for Yangzhou goose farming.

Key words: corn fermentation by-product, Yangzhou goose, growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality