Farm Animals

Broiler Chicken Cardiovascular Disease Welfare

Cardiovascular problems including sudden death syndrome and ascites are significant welfare concerns in fast-growing broiler breeds.

Key Facts

Sudden death syndrome kills apparently healthy broilers without warning signs
Ascites occurs when rapid growth overwhelms cardiovascular and respiratory capacity
Up to 5% of conventional broiler flocks die from cardiovascular-related conditions
Slower-growing breeds have dramatically lower rates of cardiovascular disease
Dim lighting and reduced feeding schedules were historically used to limit growth rate

Welfare Considerations

Cardiovascular disease in broilers reflects the welfare cost of breeding for extreme growth rates. Animals with subclinical cardiovascular compromise experience reduced oxygen delivery and activity restriction that constitutes chronic suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from slower-growing welfare-certified breeds
Support the Better Chicken Commitment adoption by retailers
Advocate for breeding standards that prioritise cardiovascular health
Learn about cardiovascular welfare markers in broiler production