Broiler Welfare and Slow-Growing Breed Progress

The transition to slower-growing broiler breeds is one of the most significant ongoing farm animal welfare reforms.

Key Facts

Fast-growing broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 33-42 days with endemic health problems
Slower-growing breeds used in higher welfare systems take 56-70 days and show dramatically lower mortality
Major food companies including McDonald's, Burger King, and Whole Foods have committed to slower-growing breeds
The transition costs producers approximately $0.05-$0.10 more per kilogram of chicken produced
Consumer price sensitivity and corporate commitment enforcement remain significant challenges

Welfare Considerations

The shift to slower-growing broiler breeds represents potentially the most impactful single reform in the history of farm animal welfare advocacy. Fast-growing breeds cause endemic suffering through cardiac failure, metabolic disease, and mobility problems affecting virtually every bird. Slower-growing breeds eliminate these problems substantially. Corporate commitments covering billions of chickens annually are real progress, but require consumer and civil society pressure to ensure fulfillment on schedule.

What You Can Do

Ask your favorite food companies and restaurants about their slower-growing breed commitments
Support organizations tracking and reporting on corporate Better Chicken Commitment compliance
Choose chicken products from brands that have fulfilled their welfare commitments
Advocate for mandatory slower-growing breed requirements in commercial chicken farming regulation
Reduce chicken consumption to reduce demand driving industrial broiler production