Modern commercial turkeys have been selectively bred for rapid breast muscle growth that causes severe welfare problems including leg disorders, cardiovascular disease, and inability to mate naturally.
Commercial turkey welfare illustrates how selective breeding for production traits can create welfare problems that cannot be addressed through housing and management improvements alone. When the fundamental biology of the animal has been altered to the point where natural mating is impossible and the musculoskeletal system is chronically stressed by the weight it must carry, better enrichment and more space provide limited welfare benefit. The most impactful welfare intervention for turkeys is breed reform — moving toward slower-growing breeds with more proportionate body conformation. This parallels the Better Chicken Commitment in broiler chickens and would require similar retailer commitment and consumer willingness to pay premiums for higher-welfare products.