Broiler Breed Reform and the Better Chicken Commitment

The majority of commercial chickens are fast-growing breeds that cause significant welfare harms, but an industry-backed reform movement is gaining momentum globally.

Key Facts

Modern fast-growing broiler breeds like Ross 308 reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, double the natural growth rate
Rapid growth causes cardiovascular disease, leg deformities, and chronic pain in a significant proportion of birds
The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) calls for switching to slower-growing breeds by 2026
Over 200 companies globally have signed the BCC, including major food retailers and brands
Slower-growing breeds have lower rates of leg disorders, contact dermatitis, and ascites
UK and EU studies show slower-growing breeds score significantly higher on welfare outcome measures

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing broiler breeds experience chronic discomfort and pain from skeletal and cardiovascular problems caused by their growth rate outpacing their structural development. Many birds spend their final weeks unable to walk comfortably. The scale of the problem is enormous: over 70 billion broilers are raised annually worldwide. Breed reform represents one of the highest-impact single changes available to reduce farm animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support restaurants and retailers that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask food companies whether they have breed welfare commitments in their supply chains
Choose higher-welfare chicken certifications that specify breed standards
Advocate for mandatory welfare outcome monitoring in national poultry regulations
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to alternatives to lower demand for intensive production