Farm Animals

Broiler Parent Welfare and Feed Restriction

Broiler breeder parent birds are genetically programmed for rapid growth but kept on restricted feed to maintain fertility, causing chronic hunger that is one of the most severe welfare problems in intensive farming.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are fed 60-80% of their ad libitum intake to maintain breeding condition
Birds showing clear hunger motivation including extensive stereotypic behaviour
Feather pecking and aggression are elevated due to competition for restricted feed
Feed restriction is necessary because full intake leads to metabolic disease and infertility
Slower-growing breeds eliminate the need for feed restriction

Welfare Considerations

Chronic hunger in broiler breeders is considered by welfare scientists to be one of the most severe ongoing welfare problems in modern farming. Birds are behaviourally and physiologically motivated to eat far more than they receive. The cause is the underlying breed selection for growth rather than the feeding restriction itself. Transitioning to slower-growing genetics eliminates this fundamental welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for slower-growing broiler breeds in supply chains
Ask poultry producers about their parent stock management
Advocate for industry transition away from genetics requiring feed restriction
Support research into breeds that maintain reproductive performance without feed restriction
Reduce chicken consumption until the broiler parent welfare problem is addressed