Slow-Growing Broiler Breeds and Welfare

Slower-growing broiler breeds experience significantly better welfare outcomes than conventional fast-growing breeds. The welfare science case for breed reform is now robust.

Key Facts

Conventional broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days with severe welfare problems
Slower-growing breeds take 56+ days but have markedly better leg health and cardiovascular function
The Better Chicken Commitment specifies maximum 30g daily weight gain as a welfare threshold
Major UK retailers including Waitrose and Marks and Spencer have committed to higher welfare breeds
Slower-growing breeds cost more to produce but consumer price premiums exist in welfare-conscious markets

Welfare Considerations

The welfare science supporting slower-growing broiler breeds is now overwhelming. Fast-growing conventional breeds suffer high rates of leg disorders, hock burns, gait impairment, and metabolic diseases because growth rate exceeds the capacity of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems to develop proportionally. Slower-growing breeds with lower daily weight gain targets show dramatically improved walking ability, reduced hock burn prevalence, lower mortality, and more natural foraging behaviour. Supporting slower-growing breed products drives commercial transition.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured, Waitrose, or other higher welfare chicken products using slower-growing breeds
Ask restaurants and caterers about chicken sourcing and breed welfare standards
Support the Better Chicken Commitment signatories through purchasing decisions
Donate to Compassion in World Farming campaigns accelerating broiler breed welfare reform