Commercial turkey production involves extreme genetic selection for breast muscle size that impairs natural movement, behaviour and health, affecting the welfare of over 15 million UK birds annually.
Turkeys bred for extreme breast muscle carry a burden analogous to broiler chickens: impaired movement, elevated cardiovascular strain and social behaviour disruption. Birds that cannot roost, dustbathe or forage normally experience chronic frustration. Mortality from heart failure and sudden death can affect up to 5% of flocks before slaughter.