Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Turkey Welfare Progress 2026

Turkey welfare has received growing attention in 2026, with breed reform and stocking density improvements emerging as priority interventions.

Key Facts

Commercial broad-breasted white turkeys struggle to walk due to extreme muscle growth
Leg disorders affect up to 40% of commercial turkeys at slaughter weight
Slower-growing breeds have significantly better leg health and behavioural repertoire
Stocking density regulations for turkeys lag behind those for broiler chickens
European retailers in 2026 began committing to improved-welfare turkey sourcing

Welfare Considerations

Commercial turkey production involves severe welfare problems embedded in genetics and husbandry. Breed reform and stocking density reductions are achievable and would eliminate enormous suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose turkey products with higher-welfare certification
Support corporate commitments to turkey welfare improvement
Advocate for turkey breed reform standards