Duck meat and egg production is growing globally while welfare standards lag behind other poultry sectors. Recent regulatory and industry advances are beginning to address the most significant welfare gaps.
The duck welfare sector is at an inflection point where regulatory and industry action is beginning to address the most significant welfare gaps, particularly around water access. The recognition that ducks require open water for bathing - not merely nipple drinkers - represents a significant welfare science advance translating into policy. Retailer commitments to require minimum water access standards from UK duck suppliers demonstrate that market demand can drive welfare improvements without waiting for legislation. The momentum of change in duck welfare is encouraging but the majority of global duck production, particularly in Asia, remains without welfare standards. The welfare improvements being implemented in leading European markets need to become global standards for the sector.