Broiler chickens raised for meat represent one of the largest single animal welfare issues globally, with billions raised annually in conditions that cause widespread suffering.
The scale of suffering in intensive broiler production is almost incomprehensible. Billions of animals live in chronic pain from skeletal disorders, struggle to walk to reach food and water, and suffer respiratory distress from poor air quality. The rapid growth selected by genetics means the animals literally outgrow their skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Leg disorders cause pain that birds attempt to manage by spending most time sitting in ammonia-soaked litter, causing chemical burns. This is the baseline condition for most of the chicken consumed globally.