Slower-growing turkey breeds have significantly better welfare outcomes than standard commercial breeds, with lower rates of lameness, cardiovascular disease, and behavior problems.
Commercial turkey welfare is fundamentally compromised by selective breeding that prioritizes muscle deposition over biological function. Birds that cannot stand comfortably, cannot mate naturally, and develop cardiovascular disease from their growth rate are experiencing systemic welfare failure. Slower-growing breeds that maintain biological function alongside acceptable production metrics offer a welfare improvement accessible without requiring revolutionary changes to the industry. The welfare dividend from breed transition is one of the largest available to turkey producers.