Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Broiler Breed Reform 2026

Broiler breed reform - switching to slower-growing breeds - is one of the highest-impact poultry welfare interventions available today.

Key Facts

Conventional broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35 days, causing chronic pain
Leg disorders affect up to 30% of conventional broilers due to rapid growth
Slower-growing breeds have 50-60% lower lameness prevalence
The Better Chicken Commitment has been signed by over 200 companies globally
Consumer price premium for higher-welfare chicken averages just 15-25%

Welfare Considerations

Conventional broiler genetics represent a welfare crisis of enormous scale. Breed reform is achievable and would eliminate chronic suffering for billions of birds.

What You Can Do

Support corporate Better Chicken Commitment adoption
Choose higher-welfare chicken from improved breed farms
Advocate for breed reform requirements in procurement standards