Approximately 700 million turkeys are produced globally each year, with intensive indoor systems raising birds to slaughter weight in 12-17 weeks. Beak trimming, severe welfare compromises from fast growth, and social aggression are central welfare concerns in commercial turkey production.
Beak trimming is a painful procedure causing acute and possibly chronic neuropathic pain. It is performed to prevent severe pecking injuries in frustrated, crowded turkeys — addressing a symptom rather than the cause. Fast-growth breeds are so heavy that locomotion is impaired: turkeys spend increasing proportions of time lying on litter as they approach slaughter weight. Pododermatitis causes continuous pain with every step. Welfare improvements require slower-growing breeds, litter quality management, enrichment provision to redirect pecking behaviour to appropriate substrates, and elimination of beak trimming through environmental management rather than mutilation.