Broiler Breed Welfare and Slower-Growing Alternatives

The breeds used in broiler production are a fundamental determinant of welfare outcomes, with slower-growing breeds offering significant improvements.

Key Facts

Standard commercial broiler breeds grow to slaughter weight in 35-42 days, causing skeletal and organ stress
Fast-growing breeds have been selectively bred for muscle production at the expense of overall health
Leg disorders, heart disease, and respiratory problems are endemic in commercial broiler breeds
Slower-growing breeds reaching slaughter weight in 56-70 days have dramatically better health and welfare
EU Better Chicken Commitment brands include breed welfare standards as a core requirement

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed selection is arguably the single most impactful determinant of welfare in chicken meat production. Fast-growing breeds live short lives characterised by chronic pain, lameness, and physiological stress. Slower-growing breeds demonstrate that commercial chicken production can occur without these endemic welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from producers committed to slower-growing breed standards
Support the EU Better Chicken Commitment and similar frameworks
Ask your supermarket about its breed welfare commitments
Reduce chicken consumption or switch to certified higher-welfare sources
Advocate for legislative breed welfare standards for broiler production