Broiler Chicken Genetics and Welfare Reform

Modern fast-growing broiler breeds are at the center of a major welfare debate, with reform movements calling for slower-growing genetics.

Key Facts

Commercial broiler chickens have been selectively bred to reach market weight in 35-40 days, roughly twice as fast as breeds used in the 1960s
Fast growth rates correlate with high rates of leg disorders, heart failure, and reduced mobility in commercial broilers
The Better Chicken Commitment advocates for slower-growing breeds, meeting a 6-hour light/dark cycle, and enriched housing
Over 200 major food companies globally have signed the Better Chicken Commitment or equivalent pledges
Slower-growing breeds such as Hubbard JA87 show significantly lower rates of lameness and better welfare outcomes
The welfare-versus-cost tradeoff is real: slower-growing breeds require more feed and time, increasing production costs by 15-30%

Welfare Considerations

The welfare problems of modern fast-growing broilers are directly linked to their extreme genetic selection for rapid muscle growth. Leg joints, cardiovascular systems, and immune function have not kept pace with the extraordinary growth rate demanded by selective breeding. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds is the most fundamental structural reform available to improve broiler welfare at scale.

What You Can Do

Purchase chicken products from suppliers committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask your supermarket and restaurants about their broiler welfare policies
Support NGOs campaigning for breed reform in poultry supply chains
Reduce overall chicken consumption, choosing higher-welfare options when purchasing