Modern broiler chickens have been selectively bred for extreme growth rates that cause widespread welfare problems. The Better Chicken Commitment represents a major industry reform effort.
Broiler chicken welfare represents one of the most consequential animal welfare issues by scale — approximately 70 billion broiler chickens are slaughtered annually worldwide. The dominant production system uses genetics that are fundamentally incompatible with basic welfare: birds bred to grow so fast that their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems cannot keep pace, creating animals in chronic pain and respiratory distress for much of their lives. The Better Chicken Commitment represents the most significant corporate welfare reform initiative in history, with major food companies committing to slower-growing breeds, improved housing, and better slaughter. Implementation is uneven and timelines are extending, but the direction of travel is clear. Consumer and NGO pressure continues to drive progress.