Commercial turkey breeds selected for extreme breast muscle development suffer chronic welfare problems that breed reform addressing skeletal integrity and behavioral capacity can substantially reduce.
Turkey breed reform follows the same logic as broiler chicken welfare improvements: the welfare problems at root are genetic, created by selection for extreme production traits that compromise the animal's ability to live normally. Reform within the current genetic framework can reduce severity but cannot eliminate problems that are inherent to the breed. Genuine welfare improvement requires transition to breeds that retain musculoskeletal integrity, behavioral capacity, and the ability to mate naturally. This transition is economically challenging but feasible with consumer support for welfare-premium products and retailer commitment to sourcing policies that drive demand for improved genetics.