Farm Animals

Broiler Leg Health and Breed Welfare

Broiler leg health problems including lameness, tibial dyschondroplasia, and gait abnormalities affect millions of birds annually, with breed selection being the most impactful welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Around 20-30% of commercial broilers show gait abnormalities indicative of pain
Fast-growing breeds are significantly more prone to leg health problems than slower-growing breeds
Gait scoring using the Bristol Gait Scale provides validated welfare assessment
Breed reform commitments from major food companies have been made but implementation varies
Slower-growing breeds with better welfare have higher production costs

Welfare Considerations

Broiler leg health welfare is primarily driven by breed selection. The welfare case for slower-growing breeds is scientifically strong. Corporate commitments to broiler welfare reform require monitoring and consumer pressure to deliver. This is one of the most impactful available farm animal welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support organisations tracking Better Chicken Commitment implementation
Choose chicken from companies with verified slower-growing breed commitments
Advocate for broiler breed welfare reform through retailer and food company engagement