Modern commercial turkey breeds have been selected for extreme breast muscle development that causes welfare problems. Reform efforts parallel those in broiler chicken welfare.
Turkey breeding has followed a similar trajectory to broiler chickens, with welfare problems embedded in the genetics of extreme production breeds. Animals that cannot mate naturally, walk comfortably, or support their own body weight have profound welfare deficits. Support for heritage breed turkey production and demands for welfare improvements in commercial breeds represent parallel tracks to broiler chicken welfare reform.