The Embden is a large, white domestic [[Geese|goose]] breed originating in Germany and is the most common commercial goose breed worldwide. Embdens are raised primarily for meat production, valued for their rapid growth, large body size, and white feathers that produce a clean carcass. The breed is also used for its down and feather production and as a general-purpose goose for small farms and homesteads.
The Embden goose was developed in Bremen, Germany, in the 19th century, taking its name from the city of Emden in Lower Saxony. The breed was created by crossing local German white geese with the larger white breeds from Holland and England. The goal was a heavy goose with white plumage that would produce a marketable carcass and commercial quantities of down.
Embdens were imported to England in the 1850s and to the United States in the 1860s. The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. By the early 20th century, the Embden was the dominant goose breed in North America and Europe, a position it retains in commercial goose production.
Embdens are large, solid white geese with orange bills, legs, and feet. The body is long, deep, and broad with a prominent breast. The neck is long and gracefully arched. Ganders weigh 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kilograms), and geese weigh 16 to 24 pounds (7 to 11 kilograms). The plumage is pure white with no gray or brown feathering. The eyes are blue.
Embden goslings are yellow and may have a grayish tint on the back, fading as the bird matures. The breed reaches slaughter weight in 12 to 16 weeks. Embdens are good foragers and can obtain a significant portion of their diet from pasture. The geese lay 20 to 40 large white eggs per year and will go broody and hatch their own young.
Embdens are raised for meat, down, and feathers on homesteads. A pair of Embdens can supply a family with roast geese throughout the year. The meat is dark and flavorful with a layer of fat that renders during cooking. The down and feathers are used for bedding and insulated clothing.
Embdens are heavy and less active than the lighter goose breeds. They require good quality pasture for economical production and access to water for drinking and bathing. The breed is cold-hardy and can overwinter outdoors with minimal shelter in temperate climates. Their loud honking makes them effective watch animals.