Turkeys bred for intensive production have been selectively modified to grow so rapidly that they can no longer mate naturally and experience widespread health problems including heart failure and joint disease.
The body conformation of commercially bred turkeys represents a welfare compromise baked into their genetics. Cardiovascular disease from rapid growth, skeletal pain from excessive breast muscle weight, and respiratory problems from dusty litter affect the majority of birds. The inability to perform natural mating behaviors due to physical deformity represents a profound welfare failure.