Commercial turkeys have been so intensively selected for breast muscle size that they cannot walk normally, mate naturally, or live comfortably — making them one of the most welfare-compromised farmed species.
Turkey welfare represents a parallel to broiler chicken welfare in that the genetic modification for maximum growth has created inherent, structural welfare harm that cannot be managed away. Turkeys that cannot walk normally, mate naturally, or live without pain for their full growth period are experiencing welfare harm as a consequence of human breeding decisions. Meaningful reform requires a move toward slower-growing breeds, and advocacy that focuses on breed selection has a greater welfare impact than management improvements alone.