Commercial turkey production causes significant welfare problems from rapid growth, high stocking densities, and poor environmental conditions. Understanding these issues enables more effective advocacy.
Turkey welfare suffers from the same commercial pressures as broiler chicken welfare, but receives less public attention and advocacy. The selection for extreme rapid growth creates birds whose cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems cannot keep pace with their weight gain. Lameness in commercial turkeys — affecting proportions comparable to broilers — causes pain with every movement. The inability of broad-breasted turkeys to reproduce naturally means breeding is entirely dependent on artificial insemination, a process with significant welfare implications for both males (semen collection) and females (repeated insemination). Transitioning to slower-growing genetics, lower stocking densities, and environmental enrichment would substantially improve turkey welfare, but requires consumer demand and retailer commitment.