Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Welfare and Breed Selection

The genetic selection of commercial broiler chickens for rapid growth causes severe welfare problems. Alternative breeds offer better outcomes.

Key Facts

Standard commercial broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, half the time of 1960s breeds
Fast-growing breeds have 5-6 times higher rates of leg disorders than slower-growing alternatives
Cardiovascular and respiratory failure rates are significantly higher in commercial breeds
Slower-growing breeds at 56-60 days show dramatically improved gait, heart, and lung health
Major retailers in Europe and the US have committed to slower-growing breeds by 2026

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breed selection is arguably the most impactful single welfare issue in chicken farming. The genetics of standard commercial birds predispose them to suffering throughout their short lives. Moving to slower-growing breeds is technically and economically feasible and would represent the largest single improvement in farmed animal welfare achievable in the near term.

What You Can Do

Look for slower-growing breed labels when purchasing chicken
Support retailers and fast food chains that have made slower-growing breed commitments
Urge food companies without breed commitments to adopt them
Reduce chicken consumption to decrease demand for fast-growing breed systems