Broiler Chicken Welfare: The Case for Better Breed Standards

Broiler chickens are the single largest source of farmed animal suffering. Welfare improvements at this scale have enormous impact, and breed selection is one of the highest-leverage interventions available.

Key Facts

Approximately 70 billion broiler chickens are raised and slaughtered globally each year
Fast-growing commercial breeds reach slaughter weight in 40-47 days, compared to 80-100 days in slower-growing breeds
Fast-growing broilers frequently develop leg problems, cardiac issues, and difficulty walking that cause chronic pain
The Better Chicken Commitment asks companies to switch to slower-growing breeds with more space and enrichment by 2026
Research shows slower-growing breeds have significantly lower rates of leg disorders and cardiovascular disease

Welfare Considerations

No single intervention could improve animal welfare at a larger scale than transitioning the global broiler industry from fast-growing to slower-growing breeds. The health problems endemic in fast-growing commercial breeds — skeletal deformities, ascites, heart failure — affect billions of animals and are a direct product of breed selection for maximum growth speed. The Better Chicken Commitment, which includes breed, space, enrichment, and slaughter standards, represents the most comprehensive industry-scale welfare reform currently pursued.

What You Can Do

Sign onto and support the Better Chicken Commitment corporate campaign
Ask your favorite restaurants and food companies about their Better Chicken Commitment status
Choose chicken from brands that have implemented or committed to slower-growing breed standards
Advocate for broiler welfare legislation that sets minimum breed and space standards
Reduce chicken consumption as a direct welfare action given current industry standards