Down from geese and ducks is widely used in bedding and outdoor clothing. The welfare of birds producing down depends on whether live plucking or post-mortem harvesting is practiced.
Down production welfare depends entirely on how feathers are harvested. Post-mortem down from birds already slaughtered for meat involves no additional welfare cost from the down harvest itself. Live plucking of conscious birds causes acute pain and distress and is documented in video investigations across multiple countries. Responsible Down Standard certification provides a chain-of-custody system that allows consumers to choose down that excludes live plucking. Synthetic alternatives provide a welfare-neutral option for consumers unwilling to rely on certification to guarantee against live plucking. Consumer education about the difference between certified and uncertified down drives adoption of responsible sourcing.