Farm Animal Welfare

Slow-Growth Broiler Breeds and Welfare

Conventional fast-growing broiler breeds suffer endemic leg problems, cardiovascular disease, and poor welfare; slower-growing alternatives demonstrate that productive farming and animal health are compatible.

Key Facts

Fast-growing broilers reach market weight in 35 days compared to 81 days for slower breeds
Leg disorders including tibial dyschondroplasia affect 25-30% of conventional broilers
Slower-growing breeds have lower mortality, better gait scores, and higher activity levels
The Better Chicken Commitment requires maximum 30 kg/m2 density and slower-growth breeds

Welfare Considerations

The welfare problems of modern fast-growing broiler breeds are an artefact of selection pressure that has been applied faster than the capacity to maintain musculoskeletal and cardiovascular soundness. The birds are in effect made sick by the demands of their own growth. Slower-growing breeds demonstrate that meaningful welfare improvement is possible without abandoning commercial poultry production — but requires consumer and retail commitment to the additional cost.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from brands committed to slower-growing breeds
Support the Better Chicken Commitment by asking your preferred retailers about their progress
Raise awareness that conventional broiler breed problems are not inevitable but are a consequence of specific breeding choices