Farm Animals

Farmed Chicken Slow-Growth Breeds

Slower-growing chicken breeds developed as welfare alternatives to fast-growing commercial strains have significantly better health outcomes.

Key Facts

Conventional broilers reach slaughter weight in 33-38 days
Slow-growth breeds take 56-70 days and have far fewer health problems
Leg disorders and cardiac disease are dramatically reduced in slow-growth birds
Several major food retailers have committed to slow-growth breed sourcing

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing commercial broiler breeds suffer from skeletal disorders, cardiovascular failure, and chronic pain that affect the majority of birds. Slow-growth alternatives demonstrate that high welfare and commercial poultry production are compatible goals.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from slow-growth breed commitments
Support food service providers that have adopted slow-growth policies
Advocate for slow-growth breed standards in public food procurement
Recognize that higher welfare poultry requires slightly higher prices