Modern broiler chickens grow so rapidly that their bodies struggle to keep pace, causing widespread leg disorders, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain.
The welfare crisis in broiler production stems from extreme selective pressure for growth rate at the expense of physiological health. Fast-growing birds spend large portions of their short lives in pain from leg disorders that impair walking and resting. Cardiovascular collapse from ascites causes acute distress and death. Slower-growing breeds, higher minimum space standards, perches, and natural light represent evidence-based improvements documented in the Better Chicken Commitment. Consumer and retailer pressure for higher welfare standards is the primary driver of change in the sector.