The Emden or Embden is a German breed of domestic goose. It is named for the town of Emden in north-westernmost Germany.

History

The Emden is the oldest goose breed of the area that is now Germany, with origins believed to go back to the thirteenth century. It derives from the traditional large white geese of the East Frisia region of north-western Germany; these had a long curved neck and so were sometimes known as Schwanengans or "swan geese". The modern breed was established in the late nineteenth century. In 2016, the breeding population in Germany consisted of 238 female and 132 male birds. In 2020, the conservation status of the Emdener was listed in the Rote Liste of the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen in its Category II, stark gefährdet ("seriously endangered").

Characteristics

The Emden is the heaviest goose breed of Germany: ganders may weigh up to, and reach a height of a metre. The plumage is pure white, with orange feet and shanks, and a short bill of a slightly lighter orange.

Use

The Emdener may be kept for meat or for eggs; the meat is of good quality. Geese may lay some 50–60 eggs per year, with an average weight of about