Broiler Welfare Science: Evidence for Improving Commercial Chicken Production

Decades of broiler welfare research have established clear evidence for what harms and helps welfare in commercial chicken production.

Key Facts

• Over 70 billion broiler chickens are slaughtered annually worldwide — welfare improvements have massive scale impact
• Fast-growing breeds develop leg problems and cardiac disease welfare harms not seen in slower breeds
• Stocking density significantly affects welfare — EU maximum is 42 kg/m2 but 30 kg/m2 improves outcomes
• Litter quality affects paw health — wet litter causes painful hock burns and footpad dermatitis
• Enrichment including perches, pecking objects, and natural light improves broiler welfare measurably

Welfare Considerations

Broiler welfare science has generated a clear evidence base for welfare improvement that has not yet been fully translated into commercial practice. The use of extreme fast-growing breeds causes inherent welfare problems independent of management: leg weakness, inability to stand and move normally, cardiac disease, and ascites are breed-related welfare harms. Stocking density above 30 kg/m2 progressively worsens gait score, cleanliness, and paw health. Litter quality — closely linked to stocking density, ventilation, and water management — determines the prevalence of painful hock burns and footpad lesions that affect significant proportions of commercial flocks. Higher welfare broiler production at lower densities with slower-growing breeds and enrichment has been demonstrated to improve all welfare indicators.

What You Can Do

• Choose chicken certified to higher welfare standards including RSPCA Assured or Soil Association
• Select slower-growing breed products including Label Rouge where available
• Advocate for retail and food service commitments to the Better Chicken Commitment standards
• Support industry adoption of stocking density limits at 30 kg/m2 or lower
• Engage with major chicken retailers about their welfare commitments for broiler supply chains