Broiler breeder chickens — the parents of fast-growing meat chickens — face a unique welfare crisis: chronic hunger. Feed restriction keeps them alive but causes constant suffering.
The situation of broiler breeders represents a profound welfare dilemma created by selective breeding decisions. Birds are kept perpetually hungry to prevent health problems caused by their own genetics. Research shows they experience negative affective states consistent with chronic suffering. Alternative breeding programs selecting for moderate growth rates could eliminate this dilemma, but require industry-wide commitment to welfare-focused genetics.