Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Chicken Breed Selection and Welfare

The genetic selection of broiler chickens for rapid growth has created breeds that suffer from skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory problems, making breed reform central to welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Modern broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, double the rate of 1970s birds
Approximately 35% of conventional broilers experience significant walking difficulty
Fast-growing breeds have 2-4 times the rate of heart failure compared to slower breeds
Slower-growing breeds such as JA757 show dramatically lower welfare problem rates
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for 6% maximum footpad dermatitis and gait improvements

Welfare Considerations

The genetic engineering of chickens for maximum growth rate has created birds whose bodies cannot sustain their own weight. Leg disorders, heart failure, and ascites cause chronic suffering in a significant proportion of the global broiler flock. The fundamental welfare problem is not a management issue but a genetic one - birds are selected for traits incompatible with their own wellbeing. Breed reform is the most impactful single intervention available.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment by buying from committed retailers
Ask food companies whether they have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Choose higher-welfare chicken labels such as RSPCA Assured or free range
Advocate for slower-growing breed requirements in public sector food procurement
Reduce chicken consumption from conventional sources while welfare standards improve