Livestock

Broiler Chicken Leg Health: The Case for Slower-Growing Breeds

Conventional broiler breeds grow so fast that leg disorders are endemic, causing chronic pain and immobility in a large proportion of the global chicken flock.

Key Facts

Modern broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days compared to 80+ days historically
Studies show 25-30% of conventional broilers have significant gait defects at slaughter age
Leg disorders including tibial dyschondroplasia, valgus deformity, and contact dermatitis are prevalent
Slower-growing breeds take longer to reach weight but show dramatically better leg health
The Better Chicken Commitment asks major food companies to transition to slower-growing breeds

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens with leg disorders experience chronic pain that affects their ability to reach feed and water, socialise normally, and engage in natural behaviour. Birds with severe gait defects spend most of their time lying on litter, leading to contact dermatitis from ammonia burns. The lameness is a direct consequence of selection for maximum growth rate. Transitioning to slower-growing breeds substantially improves leg health and overall welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from slower-growing breed welfare schemes
Support companies that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask supermarkets and restaurants about their broiler welfare policies
Reduce chicken consumption or choose higher-welfare products consistently
Write to food companies requesting they improve broiler breed standards