Farm Animals

Broiler Leg Health: Welfare and Breed Reform Progress

Overview of broiler leg health welfare issues and progress in breed reform and management.

Key Facts

Fast-growing breeds experience high rates of leg disorders and gait problems
Better Chicken Commitment specifies lower-growth rate breeds as standard
Gait scoring as routine welfare assessment tool gaining adoption
Stocking density and litter quality significantly affect leg health
Breed reform is considered the most impactful single welfare improvement available

Welfare Considerations

Broiler leg health remains one of the most significant welfare challenges in commercial poultry production. Fast-growing breeds experience pain, lameness, and cardiovascular problems that slower-growing alternatives largely avoid. Progress through the Better Chicken Commitment and similar initiatives is real but adoption is not yet universal. Consumer and retailer pressure are primary drivers of breed reform.

What You Can Do

Choose products from companies committed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Support poultry welfare organisations campaigning for breed reform
Ask retailers and food service companies about their broiler welfare commitments