Geese differ from ducks in that they have longer necks. In addition, geese shanks have hexagonal scales rather than the clam-shaped scales found in ducks. Geese were used as guards by the Romans because geese are able to tell the regular, everyday sounds and sights from those that are unfamiliar.

Geese have been raised in Europe for centuries. When the first settlers came to the 'New world' geese were brought over with them. Geese were kept for both food and feathers. Very little research has been done to improve the genetics of geese since most of the attention has been focused on chickens and turkeys.

Selecting the right goose breed (University of Kentucky)

Origins and breeds of domestic geese (FAO)