The welfare implications of extreme genetic selection in commercial poultry, the erosion of breed diversity, and efforts to develop welfare-friendly dual-purpose and slower-growing alternatives.
The genetic homogeneity of modern commercial chicken production creates compounding welfare problems. Extreme selection for growth rate has produced birds whose bodies struggle to support their own rapid development — heart failure, leg disorders, and breast muscle myopathies cause widespread suffering in fast-growing breeds. The concentration of genetics in a few companies limits the ability of the broader industry to shift toward welfare-friendly alternatives. Supporting slower-growing breeds with higher welfare certification is both a direct welfare action and a signal to the market to diversify genetics. Preserving heritage breed genetic resources serves both animal welfare and food system resilience.