Modern turkeys have been selectively bred for rapid growth, creating significant welfare challenges that affect millions of birds raised for food each year.
Selective breeding for extreme breast muscle growth causes lameness, cardiovascular problems, and difficulty breathing in modern commercial turkeys. Their rapid growth rate means skeletal development cannot keep pace with muscle mass, leading to leg disorders affecting a significant proportion of birds. The crowded conditions typical of commercial turkey houses prevent natural behaviors like foraging, dustbathing, and social interaction. Hunger and feed restriction are common welfare concerns in breeding flocks managed to prevent obesity-related mortality.