Farm Animals

Broiler Breed Reform and Welfare Progress

The movement to adopt slower-growing broiler breeds with better welfare outcomes, and the evidence supporting this transition.

Key Facts

Conventional broiler breeds have been selected for extreme growth rate at welfare cost
Fast-growing broilers suffer leg disorders, heart disease, and respiratory problems
Slower-growing breeds show better mobility, activity levels, and health outcomes
The Better Chicken Commitment requires adoption of higher welfare breeds
Consumer and retailer commitments are driving breed reform across supply chains

Welfare Considerations

Conventional broiler genetics represent one of the most significant animal welfare problems in food production. Switching to breeds that grow at a more natural rate removes many of the most serious welfare problems at their root cause.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from producers committed to higher welfare breed standards
Support retailer and restaurant Better Chicken Commitment pledges
Advocate for breed welfare criteria in chicken production standards