Farmed Animals

Fast vs Slow Growing Broiler Breeds: Welfare Comparison

The switch from fast-growing to slower-growing broiler breeds is one of the single most impactful welfare improvements available in chicken production.

Key Facts

Ross 308 and Cobb 500 fast-growing breeds reach 2.5 kg in 35 days with significant welfare problems
Slower-growing breeds like Hubbard JA57 take 56 days to reach the same weight
Lameness prevalence in slower-growing breeds is 60-80% lower than in fast-growing breeds
The Better Chicken Commitment requires transition to slower-growing breeds by signatory companies

Welfare Considerations

The fast-growing breed welfare crisis is systemic and unresolvable within the current genetics — improvements to housing, enrichment, and management cannot compensate for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems unable to keep pace with growth rates. The transition to slower-growing breeds is the most fundamental single change available to the industry and requires no new science.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from companies that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask retailers specifically about their breed transition timelines
Reduce chicken consumption until higher-welfare breeds become the standard
Support campaigns pressuring the largest chicken buyers to sign the Better Chicken Commitment