Progress in turkey breed reform is gaining momentum as welfare evidence accumulates and corporate commitments begin to drive industry change toward slower-growing genetics.
Turkey breed reform welfare progress is following a similar trajectory to broiler chicken welfare reform, though lagging by several years. The evidence base documenting welfare harm from extreme muscle selection is clear - commercial Broad-Breasted White turkeys cannot mate naturally, often struggle to walk by slaughter weight, and face high rates of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease. Corporate welfare commitments that drove the adoption of better welfare broiler breeds are beginning to emerge for turkeys, creating market incentives for breed change. The welfare improvement from transitioning to slower-growing genetics is substantial and follows a proven model from the broiler sector.