Farmed Chicken Slow-Growth Breeds: Welfare Benefits

Slower-growing broiler breeds significantly improve welfare outcomes compared to fast-growing commercial lines with documented health benefits.

Key Facts

Modern commercial broilers reach slaughter weight (2.5 kg) in approximately 35-42 days
Growth rates have increased 400% since the 1950s through intensive genetic selection
Conventional fast-growing breeds have cardiac problems, leg disorders, and metabolic diseases
The Better Chicken Commitment requires signatory companies to source slower-growing breeds
Slower-growing breeds (reaching weight in 56+ days) have dramatically better leg health and mobility scores
Welfare assessments consistently find lower gait scores, fewer footpad lesions, and less mortality in slower-growing breeds
Slower growth requires more feed per kg of output, increasing cost by approximately 20-30%

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing broiler genetics cause birds to suffer from their own growth rates - hearts and lungs struggle to support rapid muscle development, legs become inadequate for body weight, and birds spend more time lying inactive due to musculoskeletal pain. Slower-growing breeds address the root biological cause of these welfare problems rather than managing symptoms. The welfare science is clear and compelling: breed selection is the most fundamental intervention for broiler welfare.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment by buying from retailers who have signed and are implementing it
Ask restaurants and food companies if they have committed to slow-growth breed sourcing timelines
Support policy requiring slower-growing breeds as a welfare standard in public procurement
Reduce chicken consumption as market demand reduction accelerates industry welfare improvements
Advocate for transparency in breed disclosure on chicken products so consumers can make informed choices
Donate to organizations advocating for Better Chicken Commitment adoption by food companies