Farm Animal Welfare

Chicken Bone Health and Welfare

Bone fractures and weakness are widespread in broiler chickens. Genetic selection for growth and poor lighting contribute to musculoskeletal welfare problems.

Key Facts

Approximately 30% of broiler chickens in intensive systems show gait abnormalities
Tibial dyschondroplasia and other bone growth disorders are linked to rapid weight gain genetics
Appropriate lighting programs including dark periods improve bone calcification in broilers
Vitamin D3 provision and calcium phosphorus balance reduce bone disease incidence
Free-range and slower-growing breed systems show dramatically lower bone disease rates

Welfare Considerations

Broiler bone disease causes widespread chronic pain and mobility limitation that affects the majority of birds in conventional systems. The pain from bone disorders is severe and persistent, occurring in the final weeks of the bird's short life. Genetic selection, lighting management, and nutrition provide tools to dramatically reduce this welfare burden.

What You Can Do

Choose slower-growing breed certified chicken which has dramatically lower bone disease rates
Support retailers with commitments to slower-growing breed chickens by 2026
Advocate for breed welfare standards that limit growth rates causing bone disease
Reduce chicken consumption to lower demand for fast-growing breed systems