Commercial turkeys have been bred for rapid growth and large breast size to the point where their biology causes chronic welfare problems throughout their short lives.
Turkey welfare represents an extreme case of genetic selection creating welfare problems as an unavoidable consequence of the productive trait being selected for. Breast muscle so large that natural mating is impossible; legs that cannot adequately support body weight; cardiovascular systems overwhelmed by rapid growth. These are not husbandry failures — they are breeding failures. The solution requires selecting less extreme genetics, as has been demonstrated possible with slower-growing heritage breeds. Consumer willingness to pay more for welfare-conscious turkey products, particularly around major consumption events, directly incentivises producer transition to better genetics.