Broiler Chicken Welfare: Breed Reform Progress

How the shift toward slower-growing broiler breeds is improving welfare outcomes for billions of chickens globally.

Key Facts

Modern fast-growing broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, causing chronic health problems
Slower-growing breeds including Hubbard JA57 and SASSO 34 have significantly lower rates of leg disorders and cardiac disease
The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) requires signatory companies to transition to slower-growing breeds by 2026
Over 300 food companies in Europe and North America have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Slower-growing breeds require 15-20% more feed per kg of meat, creating a cost premium that brands must absorb or pass on

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed reform is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions available in chicken production because it addresses welfare problems created at the genetic level. Fast-growing breeds that reach slaughter weight in five weeks experience chronic cardiovascular and skeletal problems — their bodies grow faster than their systems can support. Breed reform to slower-growing varieties does not eliminate all welfare problems in broiler production, but it dramatically reduces the prevalence of conditions including cardiac failure, leg disorders, and breast muscle myopathies that cause widespread suffering in current commercial systems. The Better Chicken Commitment has driven remarkable corporate adoption of breed reform, representing a significant and measurable welfare advance.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from brands that have signed and are implementing the Better Chicken Commitment
Support food companies that have publicly committed to breed reform in their supply chains
Advocate for the Better Chicken Commitment standards to be written into law in your jurisdiction
Reduce overall chicken consumption and prioritise certified higher-welfare sources
Follow CIWF and Humane Society International tracking of Better Chicken Commitment corporate compliance