Broiler Breed Reform: Slower Growing Breeds and Welfare Outcomes

The dominant fast-growing broiler breeds used in industrial chicken production cause chronic welfare problems. Breed reform toward slower-growing alternatives offers the most systemic welfare improvement available.

Key Facts

Standard commercial broilers reach slaughter weight in 33-38 days, growing at rates that cause skeletal and cardiovascular strain
Slower-growing breeds such as Hubbard JA757 and ROSS 308 alternatives take 56+ days to reach slaughter weight
The Better Chicken Commitment requires signatory companies to transition to breeds meeting RSPCA welfare criteria by 2026
Over 300 major food companies globally have signed the Better Chicken Commitment including major UK retailers
Slower-growing breeds show reduced leg disorders, lower mortality rates, and higher activity levels
Breast blisters and hock burns - indicators of inability to stand and walk - are significantly lower in slower breeds
Consumer willingness to pay a small premium (estimated 5-10%) for higher welfare chicken is documented in multiple studies

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing broiler breeds are the single largest-scale animal welfare problem in global agriculture by number of individuals affected. The breeds' growth rates outpace their skeletal and cardiovascular development, causing chronic pain from leg disorders and difficulty breathing in millions of birds simultaneously. Breed reform to slower-growing alternatives directly addresses the root cause of these welfare problems rather than managing symptoms. The Better Chicken Commitment represents the most significant welfare improvement initiative in the industry.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from brands that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment and publicly track their progress
Ask your supermarket which chicken brands they stock that use slower-growing breeds
Support campaigns for breed reform requirements in farm assurance standards
Reduce chicken consumption to lower demand for fast-growing breeds that have not yet transitioned