Broiler breeder parent welfare requires addressing the fundamental genetic conflict between production genetics and reproductive welfare, moving beyond management fixes toward genetic solutions.
Broiler breeder welfare is the hidden cost of the commercial broiler industry - improving broiler welfare through breed transitions to slower-growing birds must also address what happens to the parent generation. Birds with genetics for rapid growth experience the same genetic drive regardless of whether they are selected for the parent or offspring generation. The most promising welfare solution is genetic: breeding companies that develop lines without the extreme appetite drive remove the need for severe restriction. Supporting companies investing in this research creates market incentive for the welfare solution. In the meantime, management improvements including ad libitum low-energy feeds and enriched feeding environments reduce but do not eliminate the welfare deficit.