Selective breeding of broiler chickens for rapid growth has created serious welfare problems. Welfare-improved breeds offer a better balance of production and wellbeing.
Broiler chickens bred for extreme growth suffer chronic lameness, heart failure, and respiratory distress. Many birds spend much of their lives unable to move freely, which constitutes a profound welfare failure. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds that can maintain normal behaviour and health significantly improves the welfare of billions of birds.