The welfare difference between conventional fast-growing and slower-growing broiler breeds is one of the most well-evidenced issues in farm animal welfare science.
Fast-growing broilers experience chronic leg pain, lameness and cardiovascular stress in their final weeks of life. Welfare science consistently shows that breed selection is the single most impactful intervention for broiler welfare. Slower-growing breeds display more active behaviour, better gait scores and lower mortality — and their welfare advantage is maintained even at higher stocking densities with enrichment.