Farm Animals

Broiler Breed Reform: Slower-Growing Breeds and Welfare Outcomes

The shift away from fast-growing broiler breeds towards slower-growing alternatives significantly improves welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Fast-growing breeds reach market weight in 33-35 days, causing severe lameness
Slower-growing breeds reach weight in 56+ days with dramatically better leg health
EU Better Chicken Commitment requires slower-growing breeds for signatory companies
Consumer willingness to pay for higher welfare chicken is growing in surveys

Welfare Considerations

The genetics of fast-growing broilers cause inherent suffering through lameness, cardiovascular stress, and limited mobility. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds is the single most impactful structural welfare improvement available to the industry.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from producers who have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Support supermarkets that have committed to slower-growing breed policies
Advocate for breed welfare standards in national poultry welfare legislation