The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) represents the most significant coordinated corporate welfare commitment for broiler chickens, targeting slow-growth genetics, reduced stocking density, and improved housing.
The Better Chicken Commitment represents a landmark in farm animal welfare advocacy — the first time that breed genetics has been included as a welfare criterion in major corporate commitments. Fast-growth genetics are the root cause of most welfare problems in commercial broiler production: the metabolic demands of extreme growth rates cause cardiovascular disease, leg disorders, and chronic pain that affect the majority of birds in many commercial flocks. Slower-growing breeds at appropriate densities show gait scores, activity levels, and mortality rates that are dramatically better on every welfare metric. The challenge is implementation: slower-growing breeds require 30-50% more feed to reach slaughter weight, increasing production costs. Companies that signed BCC commitments are facing economic pressure to delay implementation, and independent monitoring reveals significant gaps between commitment timelines and actual progress. Consumer pressure through purchasing choices and direct engagement with food companies is a critical lever for maintaining momentum.