Production and welfare aspects of goose down and feather harvesting

Abstract

Goose feather and down is a renewable natural product valued for its peculiar quality properties. This material is largely obtained after the slaughter of waterfowl and on a smaller scale by harvesting from live geese at time of moulting. During the course of slaughter and processing, feather and down is exposed to various unfavourable effects which degrade its quality. Conversely, the feather and down harvested by hand from live geese is superior to the industrial feather product in several respects. However, animal rights activist groups recently began to protest vigorously against the hand-harvesting of feathers from live geese. To this end, they frequently display images of illegal live-harvesting or live-plucking in the media which differs markedly from the proper practice regulated by the law. Live-plucking is prohibited by EU legislation, and the Hungarian laws and regulations approve the live-harvesting of mature feathers at time of moulting according to the rules specified. This procedure is based on the inherent moulting characteristics of domestic geese (i.e. shorter feather maturation with more frequent moults compared to wild geese) and is technically feasible without any harm to the goose, its well-being or production, as evidenced by clinical and productivity data. Illegal hand-harvesting of feathers differing from the approved practice is strictly penalised in Hungary and cruelty to animals is defined as a crime.