Broiler Breed Welfare Reform Progress

The selective breeding of broiler chickens for extreme growth rate has created welfare problems that reformers are addressing through welfare-focused breed standards.

Key Facts

Modern fast-growing broiler breeds grow from hatching to slaughter weight in 33-38 days
Rapid growth causes musculoskeletal problems including leg disorders and heart failure
Up to 30% of fast-growing broilers experience gait problems affecting movement and foraging
The Better Chicken Commitment specifies slower-growing breeds as a welfare improvement
Slower-growing breeds cost more to produce but have significantly better welfare outcomes
Several major food companies have adopted welfare-based breed standards through commitment schemes

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed welfare reform addresses one of the most fundamental causes of welfare problems in chicken production. The genetics of modern broilers create inherent welfare vulnerabilities through the disproportionate growth of muscle tissue relative to the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Breed standards that limit maximum growth rates and specify minimum activity levels, leg health outcomes and other welfare indicators can drive industry-wide improvement. Consumer and retailer demand is the primary driver since welfare-positive breeds do cost more to raise.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment by choosing products from committed brands
Reduce chicken consumption or switch to higher welfare chicken from slower-growing breeds
Engage with restaurant chains and food service companies about their broiler welfare commitments
Support welfare organisations monitoring broiler breed welfare commitments