Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare in Broiler Breeders: Feeding Management

Broiler breeder feed restriction causes chronic hunger and welfare costs for birds whose offspring are bred for rapid growth.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders (parent stock) are feed-restricted by 30-50% of ad libitum intake to control body weight
Restricted birds show persistent hunger behaviour including stereotypic pacing and excessive drinking
Male broiler breeders experience even more severe restriction than females
Alternative genetic lines with reduced feed restriction requirements are under commercial development

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeder feed restriction is one of the most significant unaddressed welfare issues in commercial poultry production, affecting millions of birds globally. The welfare cost is chronic, intense, and entirely a product of breeding decisions that prioritise growth rate over breeder welfare.

What You Can Do

Support organisations campaigning for broiler breeder welfare improvement
Advocate for feed restriction reduction to be included in corporate poultry welfare policies
Engage with breeding companies about their commitments to addressing broiler breeder hunger