Intensively farmed turkeys suffer leg disorders, respiratory disease, and high mortality rates linked to selection for rapid growth — welfare science is driving breed and management reforms.
Commercial turkey production has created extreme welfare challenges through breed selection. Heavy strains suffer leg disorders, respiratory compromise, and cardiovascular problems. They cannot perform natural mating behaviour. Barren environments prevent natural dustbathing and foraging. Higher welfare turkey production using slower-growing breeds and enriched environments is commercially viable but costs more.