Broiler Welfare Reform: Evidence from Higher Welfare Systems

The transition to higher welfare broiler chicken production is underway in response to industry commitments, with evidence from early adopters demonstrating feasibility and welfare gains.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment calls for slower-growing breeds, better environments, and improved slaughter
Hundreds of major food companies have signed higher welfare broiler commitments globally
Slower-growing breeds have significantly lower rates of leg disorders, respiratory problems, and mortality
Higher welfare systems cost approximately 15-30% more to produce but command premium pricing
Consumer awareness campaigns have been essential drivers of corporate commitment uptake

Welfare Considerations

The broiler welfare reform movement represents one of the most significant shifts in farm animal welfare in recent decades. The scale of impact is enormous, with over 9 billion broilers raised annually in the US alone. Transitioning even a fraction of this production to higher welfare breeds and systems dramatically reduces aggregate suffering. Evidence from pioneer producers demonstrates that higher welfare broiler systems are commercially viable when supply chains are aligned and consumer demand supports premium pricing. The welfare case rests on clear scientific evidence that current fast-growing breeds experience endemic suffering from their own growth rates.

What You Can Do

Buy chicken only from brands committed to the Better Chicken Commitment or equivalent standards
Contact food companies that have not yet signed welfare commitments asking them to do so
Support organizations tracking and reporting on corporate broiler welfare commitment progress
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to higher-welfare alternatives where available