Commercial turkeys face welfare challenges from genetic selection for breast muscle development that causes structural and physiological problems.
Commercial turkeys bred for maximum breast muscle develop the same structural welfare problems as broiler chickens: leg weakness causing lameness, cardiovascular strain, and respiratory difficulty. Their inability to mate naturally means all commercial production relies on artificial insemination. Slaughter at 14-18 weeks removes them from the most severe health consequences of their conformation but does not address the fundamental breed welfare problem.