Fast-growing broiler chicken breeds have been selectively modified for rapid growth at the cost of severe health problems, and breed reform offers one of the highest-impact welfare improvements available in food systems.
The welfare crisis in broiler chickens is largely a genetic engineering problem created by decades of selection for growth rate above all else. The resulting birds are often in chronic pain from leg disorders, suffer cardiovascular failure at high rates, and experience significant respiratory distress. Breed reform using slower-growing genetics is the most powerful single intervention available to reduce suffering across billions of animals. Consumer and corporate pressure through the Better Chicken Commitment has driven meaningful industry movement, but implementation remains incomplete across the supply chain.