Farm Animal Welfare

Chicken Breed Selection for Welfare Outcomes

Breed selection in commercial chicken production has significant welfare implications, with fast-growing conventional breeds carrying a substantial welfare burden.

Key Facts

Ross 308 and Cobb 500 are the dominant broiler breeds in global commercial production
Fast-growing breeds experience leg disorders, ascites and cardiorespiratory problems
Welfare Outcome Assessments show significantly lower welfare scores in conventional breeds
Slower-growing breeds such as JA757 and Hubbard JA57 show better leg and cardiovascular health
European Better Chicken Commitment brands commit to slower-growing breeds by 2026

Welfare Considerations

Breed selection is one of the most impactful welfare decisions in chicken production. Conventional fast-growing breeds experience chronic welfare deficits that are intrinsic to their genetics. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds fundamentally improves welfare outcomes across populations.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products certified to Better Chicken Commitment standards
Advocate for major retailers to commit to slower-growing breed sourcing
Reduce chicken consumption from producers that have not made welfare breed commitments