Farm Animals

Broiler Parent Stock Hunger and Welfare

Parent stock birds in broiler breeding programmes are feed-restricted to prevent obesity and reproductive failure, causing chronic hunger that is considered one of the most significant welfare concerns in poultry.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are typically fed 30-50% of ad libitum intake to control body weight
Feed restriction causes chronic hunger stress demonstrated by multiple behavioural measures
Stereotypic foraging, aggression, and high motivation for food indicate hunger suffering
Alternative feeding strategies including low energy diets partially reduce hunger
Genetic selection is exploring whether welfare-compatible parent stock is achievable

Welfare Considerations

Broiler parent stock hunger is recognised as one of the most severe welfare problems in commercial poultry, affecting millions of birds globally. The solution requires genetic modification of breeds to remove the need for restriction, which is a long-term goal. Consumer pressure on hatcheries is an important lever.

What You Can Do

Advocate for research into genetic solutions to broiler breeder hunger welfare
Support organisations raising awareness of broiler parent stock welfare
Engage with this underappreciated welfare issue when discussing poultry welfare