Farmed Turkey Welfare Assessment

Turkey welfare assessment is less developed than broiler welfare despite significant welfare parallels. Assessment tools and certification are advancing but lag the chicken sector.

Key Facts

Commercial turkeys share many welfare problems with broilers including leg weakness and cardiovascular disease
Mortality rates in commercial turkey production average 4-6%, significantly exceeding broiler rates
Turkey welfare assessment tools are being developed based on broiler welfare assessment approaches
Some certification schemes including RSPCA Assured cover turkey welfare alongside chicken
Heritage breed turkeys show dramatically better welfare outcomes than commercial broad-breasted whites

Welfare Considerations

Turkey welfare assessment lags behind broiler welfare science despite sharing many welfare challenges. The smaller commercial turkey market receives less research attention, creating welfare knowledge gaps. Advocacy for turkey welfare tool development and certification alongside broiler reform provides welfare improvement for a commercially significant but underrepresented species.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured or equivalent certified turkeys for welfare-conscious purchasing
Support turkey welfare certification scheme development alongside broiler commitments
Advocate for breed welfare standards that include turkeys alongside broilers in reform campaigns
Support research into turkey welfare assessment tools and indicators