Commercial turkey production faces significant welfare challenges from selective breeding for rapid growth that impairs locomotion and health, combined with high-density housing conditions.
Turkey welfare is arguably the most extreme example of welfare compromise through selective breeding in commercial livestock. The standard commercial broad-breasted white turkey has been so radically altered from its wild ancestor that basic functions — walking, mating, maintaining cardiovascular health — are severely compromised. Lameness is nearly universal, not exceptional. Cardiovascular disease kills significant proportions of birds before slaughter. Breed reform — selecting for moderate growth rates and musculature that allows normal locomotion — is the only fundamental solution. Heritage breeds demonstrate that turkey production can coexist with acceptable welfare, but market pressure for cheap meat drives continued use of welfare-compromised strains.