Broiler Chicken Welfare: The Better Chicken Commitment

The Better Chicken Commitment represents a set of evidence-based standards designed to significantly improve welfare for the 70 billion broiler chickens raised annually worldwide.

Key Facts

Standard broiler chickens are bred to grow so fast they often cannot walk properly by slaughter age
BCC requires slower-growing breeds that take 20-25% longer to reach market weight
Key BCC standards include enrichment, natural light, lower density, and improved slaughter
Over 200 major food companies have signed BCC commitments globally
Slower-growing birds show 50-60% fewer leg and gait problems
Implementation costs add approximately 15-25 cents per pound of chicken

Welfare Considerations

Conventional broiler production creates birds whose bodies grow faster than their legs and organs can support, leading to chronic pain, lameness, and cardiovascular stress. The Better Chicken Commitment addresses the root cause by requiring slower-growing genetics alongside improvements to housing, enrichment, and slaughter. Welfare outcomes improve substantially: birds can forage, explore, and rest without constant physical strain. While cost increases are real, consumer and institutional demand has driven major commitments from food service companies, retailers, and restaurant chains.

What You Can Do

Support food companies that have committed to and fulfilled BCC standards
Ask your favorite restaurants about their chicken sourcing policies
Consider reducing chicken consumption while welfare standards improve
Advocate for BCC adoption by your employer's food service provider