The greylag goose (Anser anser) was domesticated by the Egyptians at least 3000 years ago, and a different wild species, the swan goose (Anser cygnoides), domesticated in Siberia about a thousand years later, is known as a Chinese goose. The two hybridise with each other and the large knob at the base of the beak, a noticeable feature of the Chinese goose, is present to a varying extent in these hybrids. The hybrids are fertile and have resulted in several of the modern breeds. <answer>Despite their early domestication, geese have never gained the commercial importance of chickens and ducks.</answer>
Are geese an important part of the poultry industry?
Despite their early domestication, geese have never gained the commercial importance of chickens and ducks.