Farmed Broiler Chicken Fast-Growing Breed Reform

The most impactful single change available in chicken welfare is transitioning from fast-growing to slower-growing breeds. Corporate commitments are driving industry change that benefits millions of birds.

Key Facts

The dominant commercial broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 42 days compared to 80+ days for heritage breeds
Fast growth causes cardiovascular disease, skeletal disorders, and chronic lameness in a significant proportion of birds
Studies show 25-35% of fast-growing broilers show gait abnormalities at slaughter weight indicating leg pain
The Good Chicken Project and other campaigns have secured corporate commitments covering billions of birds
Companies including Starbucks, Subway, and over 200 others have committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
BCC requires slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, enrichment, and improved slaughter standards
Transitioning to BCC-compliant production typically increases retail chicken prices by 5-15%
European markets already use slower-growing breeds at much higher rates than US markets

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed reform is the single highest-impact welfare intervention available in chicken production because it addresses the root cause of multiple welfare problems simultaneously. Fast-growing breeds experience skeletal pain from bones that cannot support their rapid muscle growth, cardiovascular failure from hearts that cannot keep pace with metabolic demands, and dermatitis from weight pressing immobile birds against litter. Slower-growing breeds maintain the ability to move, display normal behaviors, and live without chronic pain. The corporate commitment approach - major food companies requiring suppliers to transition - has proven more effective than legislation in driving rapid industry change. Consumer support for companies honoring their commitments is essential to maintaining the business case for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Patronize and praise food companies that have committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Encourage companies without BCC commitments by contacting their customer service
Choose chicken certified to welfare standards requiring slower-growing breeds
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to plant-based alternatives to create market space for higher-welfare products
Share information about broiler welfare with others who may not know chicken breeds affect welfare