Broiler Breed Reform and Slower Growth

The shift from fast-growing broiler breeds to slower-growing varieties is one of the most impactful welfare reforms in poultry, reducing leg problems, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain.

Key Facts

Standard broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days - far faster than historical varieties
Fast growth rates cause leg weakness in up to 30% of birds and cardiovascular problems
Slower-growing breeds take 56+ days to reach weight and show dramatically better welfare outcomes
The Better Chicken Commitment requires a maximum growth rate of 50g/day or approved slower breeds
Major food companies including Marks and Spencer have committed to slower-growing breeds
Consumer price premium for slower-growing chicken is typically 10-30% but welfare gains are substantial

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed selection is one of the most important determinants of chicken welfare because it affects every bird for their entire life. Fast-growing breeds are physiologically compromised - their skeletal and cardiovascular systems cannot keep pace with muscle growth, causing lameness, ascites, and cardiac failure. Up to 30% of birds in standard flocks are lame at slaughter - experiencing chronic pain for days or weeks. Switching to slower-growing breeds eliminates most of this welfare harm at source. This is why breed reform is the centrepiece of the Better Chicken Commitment - it addresses root causes rather than symptoms.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken labelled as from slower-growing breeds or Better Chicken Commitment certified farms
Ask fast food companies whether they have committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Support Open Wing Alliance campaigns for breed reform adoption
Reduce standard broiler chicken consumption in favour of higher-welfare alternatives
Engage supermarkets to set timelines for completing their breed transition