Poultry Broiler Fast Growth Welfare: Evidence Summary

Scientific evidence consistently shows that fast-growing broiler breeds suffer significantly more welfare problems than slower-growing alternatives.

Key Facts

Broiler growth rates have increased 400% since the 1950s through genetic selection
Fast-growing breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days at welfare cost: lameness, ascites, sudden death syndrome
Welfare indicators are worse across the board in fast-growing breeds: walking ability, activity, posture, behaviors
The Wageningen 2016 study compared breeds at matched slaughter weights - slower breeds had better welfare at both ages
UK welfare outcomes research confirmed slower-growing breeds have half the contact dermatitis of conventional breeds
Transition to slower-growing breeds adds approximately 10-30 pence per bird to production cost

Welfare Considerations

The scientific literature on fast-growing broiler welfare is unusually consistent in its conclusions - slower growth rates are associated with substantially better welfare across multiple independent measures. The Better Chicken Commitment, requiring transition to slower-growing breeds by 2026, is grounded in this evidence. Industry resistance based on cost concerns must be weighed against the welfare of tens of billions of birds annually suffering from preventable skeletal and cardiovascular problems.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment by prioritizing signatory companies' chicken products
Ask food brands whether their chicken sourcing meets Better Chicken Commitment standards
Advocate for legislative minimum standards on broiler growth rates and welfare outcomes
Reduce chicken consumption from non-committed suppliers as a personal welfare stance
Share welfare outcome research on broiler breeds with others to build public understanding
Donate to organizations campaigning for broiler welfare reform through both retailer and policy channels