Broiler Breed Reform: From Fast-Growing to Higher-Welfare

Transitioning from conventional fast-growing to slower-growing broiler breeds is the single most impactful intervention for improving chicken welfare at scale.

Key Facts

Conventional Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days
Slower-growing breeds reaching market weight in 56 or more days show substantially lower rates of leg disorders
The Better Chicken Commitment requires slower-growing breeds and higher space allowances for signatory retailers
Slower-growing birds are more active and show higher welfare indicator scores than conventional breeds
The cost differential between conventional and slower-growing chicken is estimated at 10-20% higher production cost

Welfare Considerations

The extreme growth rates of conventional broiler breeds create a cascade of welfare problems including skeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and chronic fatigue. Birds that grow so fast their bodies cannot support normal movement spend increasing time sitting in dirty litter, developing foot lesions and infections. Breed reform is the most fundamental intervention because it addresses the root cause of these welfare problems rather than managing symptoms. Retailers that have committed to slower-growing breeds have demonstrated that supply chain transformation is achievable. Consumer willingness to pay a modest price premium for higher-welfare chicken is a key enabler of this transition.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken certified under the Better Chicken Commitment or equivalent standards
Support retailers and food service companies that have committed to slower-growing breeds
Advocate for mandatory breed welfare standards in government procurement
Learn about the welfare differences between conventional and slower-growing broiler breeds
Support organisations like Compassion in World Farming working on broiler breed reform globally