Leg disorders and foot pad dermatitis are leading welfare problems in fast-growing broiler chickens. Understanding their causes enables industry improvement.
Leg disorders in broilers cause chronic pain and restricted movement throughout the bird's life. Lameness reduces the bird's ability to compete for resources, access water and engage in normal behaviours. The root cause is rapid growth selection: commercial birds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, putting extreme structural demands on skeletal development. Breed reform to slower-growing genetics, lower stocking density, dry litter management and environmental enrichment together address the welfare problem. Consumer demand for slower-growing chicken certification provides the market signal needed for change.