Transitioning from fast-growing to slower-growing broiler breeds is one of the most impactful single interventions for improving broiler welfare, reducing the leg disorders, heart disease, and respiratory problems associated with extreme growth genetics.
Conventional broiler genetics push birds toward growth rates that their bodies cannot sustain without systemic physiological compromise. Leg disorders including tibial dyschondroplasia and valgus-varus deformities cause chronic pain in a significant proportion of birds. Ascites from cardiac failure causes fluid accumulation and respiratory distress. Sudden death syndrome kills apparently healthy birds through cardiac arrest. These conditions are directly attributable to selection for extreme growth rate and breast meat yield. Slower-growing breeds eliminate or substantially reduce all of these conditions, representing a direct improvement in the welfare of hundreds of millions of birds in certified supply chains. Genetic reform is the single most impactful structural change available to improve broiler welfare.