Broiler Breed Reform for Better Welfare

The most widely used broiler breeds grow so fast that welfare problems including lameness, heart disease, and chronic pain are widespread — but slower-growing breeds offer a welfare alternative.

Key Facts

Standard commercial broilers reach market weight in 35-42 days; a century ago this took three times as long
Fast-growing breeds experience leg weakness, lameness, and cardiovascular problems at high rates
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for breeds meeting welfare criteria including gait scoring thresholds
Slower-growing breeds score significantly better on lameness, mortality, and behaviour
Major food companies including McDonald's and Subway have made Better Chicken Commitments in some markets

Welfare Considerations

Selective breeding for rapid growth has created broiler chickens whose bodies are physiologically overwhelmed by their own growth rate. Lameness affects up to 30% of commercial broilers, causing chronic pain. Heart and lung disorders (ascites, sudden death syndrome) are common. These animals spend their short lives unable to move comfortably, often lying in litter that causes burns to their hocks and chest. Breed reform is one of the highest-impact interventions available for farm animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Ask the food companies and retailers you use about their broiler breed commitments
Support campaigns for Better Chicken Commitment adoption and implementation
Choose chicken from certified higher-welfare producers using approved slower-growing breeds
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to plant-based proteins
Advocate for regulatory minimum standards on broiler growth rate and gait scoring