Modern commercial turkeys have been selectively bred for extreme breast muscle development that compromises their ability to walk, breathe, and reproduce naturally — a systemic welfare crisis.
The genetic engineering of commercial turkeys for maximum breast meat has created animals whose bodies work against their own health. The physical burden of oversized breast muscles causes chronic lameness, cardiovascular strain, and respiratory difficulties. Turkeys struggle to perform natural behaviors — dustbathing, social interaction, and foraging — because their bodies are not built for these activities. This represents a systemic welfare failure rooted in breeding standards that prioritize production over animal health.