Walking ability in broiler chickens is one of the most reliable welfare indicators in the industry. Gait scoring reveals the extent of lameness caused by rapid growth breeding.
Broiler chicken lameness is one of the most quantifiable and pervasive welfare failures in modern animal agriculture. The body of research consistently shows that a substantial proportion of commercial broilers experience pain and locomotion difficulty severe enough to affect feeding, drinking, and social behavior. These birds spend more time lying, often on wet litter, which causes additional welfare problems including hock burns and breast blisters. The cause is clear: genetics that prioritize growth rate over structural soundness. The solution is also clear: slower-growing breeds and reduced growth targets. Consumer and retailer commitments to slower-growing standards — like the Better Chicken Commitment — are the primary driver of industry change.