How the selection of turkeys for extreme breast muscle development has compromised welfare and what breed reform looks like for this neglected species.
Turkey welfare in commercial production mirrors many of the issues in broiler chicken farming, but receives far less public attention. Modern commercial turkeys have been selected so aggressively for breast muscle yield that their basic physical function is compromised. Animals unable to walk normally cannot access food and water freely, engage in natural social behaviour, or avoid conflicts with other birds. The requirement for artificial insemination reveals that the breeding trajectory has gone beyond what can be considered compatible with the animal's welfare or natural biology. Meaningful turkey welfare reform requires breed reform — shifting commercial production toward slower-growing varieties — alongside improvements in housing and management.