Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Parent Welfare Chronic Hunger

The welfare problem of chronic feed restriction in broiler parent birds, which are kept permanently hungry to limit growth and maintain fertility.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are feed-restricted to 60-80% of their ad libitum intake throughout life
Feed restriction prevents health problems caused by fast growth but causes chronic hunger
Research shows broiler breeders show signs of chronic stress and frustration
Alternative breeds with slower growth reduce but do not eliminate feed restriction
Several EU countries have moved toward less severe restriction protocols

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeder feed restriction is one of the most ethically challenging practices in poultry production. Birds genetically selected to grow rapidly must be kept permanently hungry to prevent the health problems that unrestricted feeding would cause. This creates a genuine welfare dilemma: restricting feeding reduces production disease but causes chronic hunger and psychological suffering.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for broiler breeder welfare reform
Choose chicken products from producers using slower-growing breeds that require less severe feed restriction
Advocate for broiler breeder welfare to be included in Better Chicken Commitment standards