The genetics of modern broiler chickens, selected for extreme rapid growth, create inherent welfare problems that cannot be fully overcome through management without addressing the fundamental breeding issue.
The welfare problems of fast-growing broiler chickens are structural and inherent to the genetics, not failures of farm management. A bird growing so rapidly that its cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems cannot keep pace experiences chronic physiological stress regardless of housing quality. Lameness in broilers causes documented pain — birds given analgesic-laced water spend more time walking, revealing that pain is limiting their movement. The industry response of better management addresses symptoms while the root cause — breed selection for growth over welfare — continues. Switching to slower-growing breeds represents the most impactful single change available in commercial poultry production.