The welfare of commercially farmed turkeys, including selective breeding problems, housing conditions, and the welfare implications of seasonal demand.
Turkey welfare is shaped fundamentally by genetics, just as broiler chicken welfare is. Commercial turkey strains have been bred for such extreme muscle development that natural mating is physically impossible and cardiovascular stress is endemic. The combination of rapid growth, high density, and beak trimming creates a production system that generates chronic welfare compromise for hundreds of millions of birds annually. The welfare improvements available mirror those for broilers: slower-growing genetics with better musculoskeletal development, enriched housing, appropriate stocking density, and analgesia for all painful management procedures.