Commercial turkeys face welfare challenges strikingly similar to broiler chickens; rapid growth selection has created serious health problems that reform efforts are now addressing.
Turkey welfare parallels broiler welfare in many respects: extreme selection for growth rate has created a bird whose body is poorly adapted for its own survival. Commercial toms (males) are so breast-heavy they cannot mount females; all commercial turkey production relies on artificial insemination. Leg problems, heat stress, and respiratory disease are prevalent at commercial densities. Space provision, litter quality, and environmental enrichment are key welfare levers. The Better Turkey Commitment, modeled on the Better Chicken Commitment, is gaining support among food companies. Heritage breeds and slower-growing commercial varieties show markedly better welfare under equivalent management conditions.