Farm Animals

Broiler Gait Scoring and Mobility Welfare

Commercial broiler breeds suffer high rates of mobility impairment due to rapid growth rates. Gait scoring provides an objective welfare measure linked to pain and suffering.

Key Facts

Bristol Gait Score 3+ indicating clear lameness affects 15-30% of commercial broilers
Rapid growth genetics causing skeletal problems are the primary cause
Slow-growing breeds show dramatically lower gait impairment rates
EU Broiler Directive requires intervention at population level gait score thresholds

Welfare Considerations

Broiler mobility impairment represents one of the most widespread acute welfare problems in livestock globally. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds is the most effective single welfare intervention, with good evidence for significantly reduced pain and suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from slower-growing breed certifications like Better Chicken Commitment
Ask restaurants and fast food chains about their breed welfare commitments
Support campaigns for slower-growing breed mandates in UK and EU legislation