Broiler Chicken Leg Health and Welfare

Leg health problems in commercial broiler chickens represent one of the most significant welfare challenges in the global poultry industry.

Key Facts

Commercial broilers grow from hatch to slaughter weight in just 42 days, more than twice the rate of 1950s birds
Approximately 25-30% of conventionally produced broilers exhibit measurable lameness at slaughter age
Tibial dyschondroplasia, valgus-varus deformity, and contact dermatitis are leading leg welfare problems
Slow-growing breeds at reduced stocking density show dramatically lower lameness prevalence
The poultry industry's own data shows a direct relationship between growth rate and leg disorder prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Broilers with lameness experience pain with every step during the final weeks of their lives, significantly reducing feed and water access, social behavior, and overall welfare. Severe lameness causes birds to spend more time lying on wet litter, exacerbating foot pad dermatitis and breast blisters. Lame birds cannot reach food and water easily, leading to reduced intake and further welfare compromise. The fundamental driver of leg welfare problems is the extreme growth rate selected for production efficiency. Slower-growing breeds, reduced stocking density, and environmental enrichment together create dramatic improvements in leg health that demonstrate the achievability of better welfare in commercial broiler production.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from welfare-certified farms using slower-growing breeds
Support the Better Chicken Commitment signed by major food companies committing to breed and density improvements
Reduce chicken consumption and choose quality over quantity when purchasing poultry
Advocate for mandatory leg health monitoring in commercial poultry welfare auditing programs