Broiler Chicken Welfare Improvement Roadmap

A roadmap for improving broiler welfare identifies the most impactful interventions in order of welfare benefit.

Key Facts

Broiler welfare improvements rank in priority: breed change, stocking density, enrichment, lighting, outdoor access
Switching to slower-growing breeds provides the greatest single welfare improvement for broilers
Reducing stocking density from 39 to 30 kg per square metre dramatically reduces lameness and hock burn
Providing enrichment including pecking objects and natural light reduces stress behaviours significantly
The EU Better Chicken Commitment specifies breed, density, enrichment, light, and outdoor access standards

Welfare Considerations

Broiler welfare improvement is achievable through a clear evidence-based roadmap. The highest-priority intervention is switching to slower-growing breeds; subsequent improvements in stocking density, enrichment, and outdoor access build on this foundation. The EU Better Chicken Commitment provides a comprehensive framework that demonstrates these improvements are commercially viable.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from brands committed to the EU Better Chicken Commitment
Ask your supermarket which of their chicken suppliers are implementing welfare improvements
Support campaigns that hold food companies to their welfare commitments
Reduce chicken consumption as pressure for systemic welfare improvement