Key welfare concerns in duck meat production and how production standards can better address the species-specific needs of farmed ducks.
Duck welfare in meat production is significantly compromised when access to open water is denied. As aquatic species, ducks have strong behavioral motivation to immerse their bills and bodies in water, use water to clean their eyes and nostrils, and engage in preening. Dry housing without water access causes welfare problems including eye disease, feather damage, and behavioral frustration. Providing open water access even in small amounts — through nipple drinkers with sufficient flow or shallow troughs — represents a meaningful welfare improvement over standard dry housing.