Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Turkey Breed Welfare Reform

Commercial turkey breeds have been selected for extreme body size that compromises welfare. Reform through alternative breed selection is a key welfare priority.

Key Facts

Commercial broad-breasted white turkeys cannot mate naturally
Leg problems and cardiovascular disease are common in fast-growing breeds
Slower-growing breeds show significantly better mobility and welfare scores
Natural mating breeds have lower incidence of reproductive welfare problems
Consumer demand for slower-growing breeds is growing slowly

Welfare Considerations

Commercial turkey breeds are so heavily selected for breast muscle mass that their basic physiological functions are compromised - they cannot walk, mate, or breathe comfortably. This represents perhaps the most extreme example of production-driven welfare compromise in any farmed species. Breed reform offers the most fundamental welfare improvement possible.

What You Can Do

Choose turkey products from slower-growing breed certified sources
Advocate for breed welfare standards in turkey production certification
Support organizations campaigning for turkey breed reform
Learn about the welfare science comparing commercial and slower-growing turkey breeds