Broiler breeder hens and roosters are feed-restricted to prevent obesity caused by fast-growth genetics. This creates chronic hunger that is a significant welfare concern.
Broiler breeder welfare presents a cruel dilemma created by fast-growth genetics: without restriction, birds become obese and suffer cardiovascular and skeletal disease; with restriction, they experience chronic hunger throughout their lives. Feed-restricted breeders spend much of the day in food-seeking behavior, showing persistent motivation for food that indicates genuine hunger rather than mere food preference. High-fiber diet approaches that allow more volume while restricting calories offer welfare improvements in both directions. Genetic reform of broilers toward slower growth is the ultimate solution to this systemic problem.