Broiler breeders are the parent birds of commercial meat chickens, selectively bred for rapid growth. Feed restriction imposed to prevent obesity and reproductive failure creates a state of chronic hunger that is among the most significant unresolved welfare problems in poultry production.
Chronic hunger in broiler breeders is not a brief or mild stress — studies document persistent foraging motivation lasting throughout the flock cycle that is never satisfied. This represents a profound and continuous welfare compromise affecting the billions of birds that produce commercial broiler chicks annually. Welfare improvements require investment in slower-growing genetic lines where ad libitum feeding is compatible with reproductive health, combined with environmental enrichment to redirect foraging behaviour. Industry engagement is growing but progress has been slow given the economic incentives favouring fast-growing genetics.