Commercial turkey breeds have been selected for rapid growth at the expense of leg health and welfare - breed reform and slower-growing varieties offer significant welfare improvements.
Commercial turkey welfare faces the same fundamental challenge as broiler welfare - breed selection for rapid growth has created animals whose bodies are sources of suffering. Leg weakness, joint disease, and cardiovascular problems affect large proportions of commercial flocks. The welfare solution is parallel to broilers: slower-growing breeds, better management, and consumer willingness to pay for welfare. Breed reform in turkeys is achievable but requires sustained commercial pressure.