Modern commercial broiler breeds grow so fast they suffer skeletal, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems throughout their short lives.
The selection of commercial broiler breeds for maximum growth rate has created an animal welfare crisis affecting tens of billions of birds annually. Skeletal and cardiovascular problems are not incidental - they are predictable consequences of genetics that have been pushed beyond physiological limits in pursuit of production efficiency. The welfare case for transitioning to slower-growing breeds is overwhelming. The Better Chicken Commitment, signed by hundreds of companies, represents significant industry movement toward reform.