Broiler Breed Welfare Reform | Animal Welfare Hub

Modern fast-growing broiler breeds cause endemic health problems. Welfare improvements require breed-level change alongside housing improvements.

Key Facts

Commercial broilers have been bred to reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days
Growth rates have more than tripled since 1950, with corresponding increases in health problems
Leg disorders, cardiovascular disease, ascites and breast myopathies are common in fast-growing breeds
Slower-growing breeds achieving 25% lower growth rate show significantly lower health problem rates
The Better Chicken Commitment requires higher welfare standards including slower-growing breeds
Slower-growing breeds typically cost more to produce due to longer rearing periods
Several major retailers have committed to transitioning to slower-growing breeds in Europe

Welfare Considerations

Breed is the most fundamental welfare variable in broiler production. No amount of housing improvement fully compensates for health problems bred into the bird. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds with demonstrably better leg health and cardiovascular function is the single most impactful change in broiler welfare. The cost is real but modest relative to total food cost.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment by purchasing from committed suppliers
Ask chicken product suppliers about their breed welfare commitments and timeline
Choose products from higher welfare certifications requiring slower-growing breeds
Contact retailers who have not yet committed to the Better Chicken Commitment