Broiler Breed Reform - Progress Towards Higher Welfare Genetics

The welfare problems of fast-growing broiler breeds are well documented. Breed reform initiatives are pushing the industry towards slower-growing genetics with significantly better welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Standard commercial broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, causing severe musculoskeletal problems
Fast-growing breeds have been selectively bred for meat yield, often at the expense of leg and heart health
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for breeds meeting RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Outcomes Assessment criteria
Slower-growing breeds like Hubbard and Rambler Ranger have measurably better leg health and activity levels
Slower-growing breeds typically require 56-70 days to reach slaughter weight, increasing production costs
Major retailers and food companies globally have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Scientific research confirms that breed change alone produces significant, measurable welfare improvements

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed reform is one of the highest-impact interventions available for improving farm animal welfare at scale. Transitioning from fast-growing to slower-growing breeds with defined welfare outcome criteria directly reduces the chronic musculoskeletal pain, cardiovascular disease, and inability to move that affects the majority of the world's 70 billion annually-farmed broiler chickens. Consumer and corporate purchasing commitments are the primary driver of this transition. Supporting the Better Chicken Commitment and choosing products from compliant producers creates direct, measurable welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from producers committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask restaurants and food companies whether they have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Support Compassion in World Farming and other organisations advancing broiler breed reform
Reduce chicken consumption overall given the scale of welfare challenges even in reformed systems
Share information about broiler breed welfare with others who regularly consume chicken