Document type: scientific synthesis published in Animals
Authors: Driessen, B.; Pellens, L.; Nivelle, B.; Van Rossem, K.; Buyse, J.
Abstract in French (translation): Foie gras production: a literature review on the animal welfare implications of force-feeding ducks
Foie gras production relies on the force-feeding of waterfowl to induce hepatic steatosis and, consequently, liver enlargement. This practice is the subject of intense debate due to concerns regarding animal welfare.
This study provides a comprehensive overview of foie gras production, focusing primarily on the implications of force-feeding for duck welfare, while also contextualizing historical and alternative practices involving geese. The data were evaluated in light of behavioral, physiological, pathological, and health-related findings, as well as factors related to procedures, housing, and the environment.
Endocrine outcomes are mixed, but repeated immobilization and tube insertion can cause lesions of the upper digestive tract, while progressive force-feeding leads to marked liver hypertrophy, impaired liver function, and an increased metabolic heat load. Reduced activity, locomotor disorders, injuries, and increased mortality have also been reported, although study protocols, production methods, and conditions vary. Alternatives under investigation include spontaneous fattening, microbiome-based interventions, cultured cell products, and plant-based or processed analogs. Data regarding their benefits for welfare, product quality, scalability, and economic feasibility remain limited.
Overall, the accumulated scientific evidence raises significant concerns regarding the welfare of force-fed birds and underscores the need to continue exploring viable alternative production strategies.
Preview:
Foie gras production is based on the force-feeding (gavage) of waterfowl to induce hepatic steatosis and subsequent liver enlargement. This practice has been widely debated due to concerns regarding animal welfare.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of foie gras production, with a primary focus on the welfare implications of force-feeding in ducks, while contextualising historical and alternative practices involving geese. Evidence was evaluated across behavioural, physiological, pathological and health-related outcomes, together with procedural, housing and environmental factors.
Endocrine findings are mixed, but repeated restraint and tube insertion can cause injuries to the upper digestive tract, while progressive feed administration produces marked liver enlargement, altered hepatic function and increased metabolic heat load. Reduced activity, locomotor impairment, lesions and elevated mortality have also been reported, although study designs and production methods and conditions vary. Alternatives under investigation include spontaneous fattening, microbiome-based interventions, cultivated-cell products and plant-based or processed analogues. Evidence concerning their welfare benefits, product quality, scalability and economic feasibility remains limited.
Overall, the accumulated scientific evidence raises significant concerns regarding the welfare of force-fed birds and underscores the need for continued exploration of viable alternative production strategies.
