Commercial turkey production raises significant welfare concerns around the breed characteristics of heavy turkeys, stocking density, environmental enrichment and slaughter methods.
Commercial turkey welfare is compromised by selective breeding for extreme breast muscle development that causes chronic lameness, cardiovascular stress and difficulty with basic movements. High stocking densities prevent expression of natural behaviours including foraging, dustbathing and flight. Turkeys are highly social and inquisitive; barren intensive environments cause boredom and redirected pecking. Slaughter at large scale abattoirs carries welfare risks during stunning and killing.