Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Animal Welfare: Broiler Parent Welfare and Chronic Hunger

Broiler breeder parent birds suffer chronic hunger when feed restricted to prevent obesity-related health problems, creating a significant ethical dilemma in poultry production.

Key Facts

Broiler parent birds must be feed-restricted to remain reproductively functional
Unrestricted fast-growing genetics develop severe health problems including lameness and heart failure
Feed-restricted breeders show strong foraging motivation and food-seeking behaviour indicating hunger
Qualitative feed restriction using high-fibre low-energy diets may reduce hunger while achieving the same outcome
Breeding for slower-growing genetics could eliminate the chronic hunger dilemma

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeders are in a chronic state of hunger for most of their productive lives. This is one of the most serious and under-publicised welfare compromises in commercial poultry. Developing and adopting genetics that do not require feed restriction, or using diet composition rather than quantity restriction, represents the most welfare-positive long-term solution.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for slower-growing broiler genetics that eliminate breeder feed restriction
Advocate for research funding into alternative approaches to broiler breeder management
Choose egg and chicken products from producers committed to broiler breeder welfare