The gavage is a form of force-feeding corn to male ducks and male or female geese in the last few weeks of their lives in order to fatten their livers by about 600% in order to make that rich buttery foie gras delicacy which is frequently eaten the world over as pate or mousse. The liver, too, is oftentimes eaten whole: entier.
A form of torture, certain animal activists would call the gavage, and publish tragic photographs of birds bleeding from the neck and mouth claiming this to be the brutality of the feeding system. Others offer a different perspective: claiming the gavage simulates the autumnal overfeeding that is natural for such birds in their preparation for winter and the long migration, and that with humane techniques of gavage (using plastic tubes for instance; allowing the birds to range outdoors between feeds) claim bird to be fattened virtually queue for their mix of corn and water during these weeks of intensive feeding.
The farm we stayed in had no birds at this time of the year. We saw lots of ranging space where ducks and geese might roam freely between feeds, and indoor equipment of the pen type with a moving food drop applicator. It is what it is: a metal food dispenser that the birds face for two or three weeks of their lives, for two or three quick drops of food each day, before slaughter. After that their bits and bobs are packaged and prepared for sale in shop windows far and wide.
Postscript: We have since stayed at another foie gras ferme where gavage was taking place. The ducks not being fed were happily waddling around and paddling in the pond. Those to be fed were temporarily caged, quickly fed -- all of 30 seconds: then went happily back to their pond. Though, we are waiting for, and have yet to see, ducks queuing for their gavage feeding.
oooOOOooo
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| Foie gras, pate and mousse |
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| Wildflowers act as a distraction |
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| And are such pretty colours |
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| Gavage in action |
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