Fast-Growth Broiler Breeds and Welfare

Modern commercial broiler chickens have been selectively bred for growth rates that cause significant skeletal, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems that compromise their welfare.

Key Facts

Modern broilers reach slaughter weight in 33-40 days, compared to 84+ days in slow-growing breeds
Up to 30% of fast-growing broilers experience lameness at the end of their lives
Ascites — fluid accumulation around the heart — affects fast-growing breeds at higher rates
Slow-growing breeds take longer to reach market weight but show dramatically better welfare indicators
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for adoption of slower-growing breeds by major retailers

Welfare Considerations

The broiler industry has optimised for feed conversion efficiency with significant welfare cost. Birds that grow at twice the natural rate experience disproportionate strain on their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Their rapid growth means their bodies develop faster than their supporting systems can accommodate. A bird that cannot walk to reach food or water, or that is in chronic pain, is experiencing significant suffering for the entirety of its life. The solution — switching to slower-growing breeds that meet published welfare standards — is available but not yet widely implemented.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products meeting the Better Chicken Commitment standard
Ask supermarkets and restaurants whether their chicken meets higher-welfare breed standards
Reduce chicken consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives
Support campaigns asking major food companies to adopt higher-welfare breed standards
Learn about the difference between conventional and higher-welfare broiler breeds