Turkeys are farmed in vast numbers for seasonal and year-round consumption. Selective breeding for rapid growth has created serious welfare problems, yet turkey cognition and emotional life are rarely considered.
Turkey welfare is dominated by the consequences of extreme genetic selection for breast meat yield. Animals that grow so rapidly they struggle to walk, breathe, and reproduce naturally are experiencing chronic welfare compromise built into their biology. The industry has invested heavily in faster growth rather than healthier animals. From a welfare perspective, the most impactful change would be a shift away from commercial hybrid breeds toward slower-growing strains, accompanied by reduced stocking densities and enriched environments. Consumer choice between hybrid and heritage turkey products is currently constrained by significant price differences, making regulatory intervention important.