Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Chicken Bone Strength and Welfare

Skeletal integrity in broiler chickens is compromised by rapid growth, and bone strength improvements directly improve welfare and productivity.

Key Facts

Bone disorders including tibial dyschondroplasia affect up to 30% of commercial broilers
Rapid growth outpaces skeletal development in fast-growing breeds
Calcium and phosphorus nutrition are critical for bone mineralization
Slower-growing breeds have dramatically better skeletal integrity than conventional lines
Lighting programs and exercise opportunities improve bone development in housed birds

Welfare Considerations

Painful leg problems are among the most significant welfare issues in broiler production. Birds with severe leg disorders cannot access feed and water normally, compounding welfare impacts. Genetic and nutritional interventions that improve skeletal integrity benefit billions of birds.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken certified under slower-growing breed requirements
Support welfare research into nutritional interventions for broiler bone health
Advocate for skeletal scoring as a welfare metric in broiler certification