Geese raised for standard meat and feather production face welfare challenges distinct from foie gras, including live plucking and inadequate water access that fail to meet basic welfare needs.
Geese without adequate water access experience multiple welfare problems. Waterfowl evolved to use water for thermoregulation, social bathing, preening to maintain feather waterproofing, and eye hygiene - deprivation of water access makes all these impossible. Eye infections become common. Feather condition deteriorates. The behavioral drive to access water is strong and its frustration causes distress. Live plucking for down causes acute pain as feathers are pulled from skin still attached to their follicles - an experience that leaves geese visibly stressed and with skin trauma.