Broiler Chicken Breed Welfare and the Case for Slower-Growing Birds

The genetics of modern broiler chickens drive rapid growth that compromises welfare, with slower-growing breeds offering significantly better health and quality of life.

Key Facts

Modern fast-growing broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, roughly twice as fast as 1950s birds
Rapid growth causes chronic leg weakness, lameness, cardiovascular disease and chronic pain in many birds
Studies show fast-growing broilers spend over 75% of their time inactive, often due to leg pain
Slower-growing breeds taking 56+ days show dramatically lower lameness, mortality and stress indicators
The Better Chicken Commitment signed by hundreds of companies commits to slower-growing breeds by set dates
Consumer demand signals matter — higher welfare broiler products require market support to remain viable

Welfare Considerations

The genetic drive for rapid growth represents one of the most fundamental welfare problems in modern poultry production. Breeding birds so fast that their bodies cannot cope with their own growth imposes chronic pain on billions of animals annually. Slower-growing breeds that live longer, more active lives with better health represent a genuine welfare improvement. Their adoption depends on both supply chain commitments and consumer willingness to support higher welfare products.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from producers using slower-growing breeds with higher welfare certification
Ask supermarkets and food companies about their commitment to the Better Chicken Commitment
Support campaigns calling for faster implementation of slower-growing breed commitments
Reduce overall poultry consumption to reduce demand for intensively farmed chicken
Share information about broiler breed welfare with others to increase informed purchasing