Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Chicken Broiler Breed Welfare Comparison

Extensive research comparing welfare outcomes in fast-growing and slower-growing broiler breeds demonstrates significant welfare advantages of slower-growing genetics.

Key Facts

Ross 308 and Cobb 500 are the dominant fast-growing commercial broiler strains
Slower-growing breeds like JA757 have significantly lower leg disorder rates
Welfare comparison studies consistently favor slower-growing genetics
Major food service companies have committed to welfare outcome reporting on breeds used

Welfare Considerations

Systematic breed comparison studies demonstrate that welfare outcomes including lameness prevalence, mortality rates, and behavioral indicators consistently favor slower-growing genetics over fast-growing commercial strains. The welfare case for transitioning to slower-growing breeds is now backed by extensive peer-reviewed evidence. Consumer and food company commitments to welfare breed transitions are driving industry change at scale.

What You Can Do

Support food companies committed to slower-growing breed transitions
Ask retailers about breed welfare commitments in their chicken supply chains
Advocate for breed welfare standards in food service procurement
Reduce chicken consumption or choose certified slower-growing alternatives