Broiler Chicken Fast-Growth Welfare Problems

Fast-growing broiler breeds dominate commercial chicken production but suffer severe welfare problems as a direct consequence of their genetics, including leg disorders and heart failure.

Key Facts

Modern fast-growing broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, roughly double the historical rate.
Up to 30% of fast-growing broilers experience significant lameness by slaughter age.
Sudden death syndrome and ascites (heart failure) cause mortality rates of 1-5% in commercial flocks.
Fast-growing birds spend increasing time lying in their own waste due to painful walking.
Slower-growing breeds take 56-70 days to slaughter weight but show dramatically reduced welfare problems.

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of fast-growing broilers is severely compromised by genetics that have prioritised production speed over health. Lameness, skeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems are endemic in fast-growing flocks. The Better Chicken Commitment, signed by over 200 companies globally, commits to transitioning to slower-growing breeds by 2026. Consumer and retailer pressure is the primary driver of this change, which represents one of the largest welfare improvements achievable in global food systems.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from brands signed to the Better Chicken Commitment using slower-growing breeds.
Ask your supermarket and favourite restaurant chains whether they have signed the Better Chicken Commitment.
Reduce chicken consumption overall, which decreases demand for intensive production systems.
Support campaigns by animal welfare organisations monitoring Better Chicken Commitment compliance.
Choose plant-based chicken alternatives to completely avoid fast-growth welfare problems.