Turkey farming encompasses year-round production of a species selectively bred for extreme growth and breast muscle mass. Welfare problems are systemic and linked to genetics, similar to broiler chickens.
Commercial turkey welfare mirrors broiler welfare: selective breeding for extreme growth has created animals physically incapable of expressing natural behaviour, prone to systemic health failure, and requiring intensive management interventions (artificial insemination, veterinary support) simply to maintain production. The welfare cost is structural - inherent to the genetics - not correctable through housing or management improvements. Commercial turkey welfare reform requires the same breed-level intervention that the broiler sector is slowly beginning to address. Heritage breeds and slower-growing commercial varieties represent welfare-positive alternatives.