Broiler breeders are routinely feed-restricted to prevent health problems caused by modern fast-growing genetics. This creates chronic hunger that is a major welfare concern.
Broiler breeders experience one of the most pervasive welfare problems in poultry production: chronic hunger throughout their productive lives. Motivation testing shows feed-restricted birds are willing to exert maximal effort to obtain food, demonstrating the intensity of the hunger drive. The only sustainable solution is genetic reform away from extreme fast-growing genetics that require feed restriction to survive. Slower-growing parent stock breeds can achieve good production without the same degree of restriction.