Farm Chicken Slow-growing Breed Welfare

Shifting to slower-growing broiler breeds is one of the most impactful single changes available to improve welfare for billions of chickens raised annually.

Key Facts

Commercial broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, nearly double the rate of 1960s breeds
Fast-growing breeds have leg disorders in up to 30 percent of flocks and high cardiac mortality
Slow-growing breeds take 56-70 days to reach slaughter weight but have dramatically fewer health problems
The Better Chicken Commitment requires slower-growing breeds from major food companies
Slower-growing breeds show more active behavior, better mobility, and less time lying down
Economic costs of slower-growing breeds are estimated at 10-20 cents per kilogram of meat
Over 200 major food companies have signed the Better Chicken Commitment globally

Welfare Considerations

The shift to slower-growing broiler breeds represents the single most impactful welfare improvement achievable within commercial poultry production. Current fast-growing breeds are so physiologically compromised that they suffer from their own genetics before any management decisions are made. Leg disorders causing chronic lameness, cardiovascular failure, and metabolic disease are endemic. Slower-growing breeds maintain normal activity levels, exhibit more natural behaviors, and have dramatically lower rates of these painful conditions. The Better Chicken Commitment has created market momentum for this transition that is genuinely changing industry practice.

What You Can Do

Support companies that have signed and are implementing the Better Chicken Commitment
Choose chicken certified to higher welfare standards requiring slower-growing breeds
Pressure restaurants and retailers to commit to the Better Chicken Commitment
Reduce chicken consumption to lower demand pressure on the fastest-growing systems
Support legislation establishing minimum breed welfare standards for commercial poultry
Share information about broiler breed welfare to build public awareness and demand for change