Kelly Myers
University of Guelph finds that the industry standard of raising rapid growth chicken breeds causes them to suffer from pain and deformities.
Each year, billions of chickens are tragically raised and killed for food in factory farms across the United States. These factory farms are some of the worst environments an animal could ever live in, but they are far from the only issue in this cruel industry. Chickens’ own genetics are used against them as giant meat companies selectively breed for rapid growth and meat production, causing unbearable pain and suffering.
Just last week, Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) released early findings from an independent study that examined the health and welfare of different breeds of chickens who are raised for meat in the US. As we expected, the study, conducted by the University of Guelph, found that the most widely produced breeds of chicken, including nearly all chicken consumed at restaurants and sold in grocery stores, endure excruciating pain—even when raised in “ideal” conditions with careful management.
The study observed 7,500 birds from 16 strains of chicken breeds over two years, measuring key welfare indicators such as behavior, physiology, immunology, production, and meat quality. It is the first of its kind to do so. The results were clear: conventional breeds of chicken raised for meat, termed “rapid growth” due to selective breeding that causes the animals to reach market weight unnaturally fast, suffer muscle myopathies, deformities, poor foot health, and have trouble standing or walking.
Our campaign to end this suffering
For the last four years, we’ve been campaigning tirelessly for major food companies to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment, a set of animal welfare standards that moves away from these rapid growth breeds. We know that in order to make a meaningful difference for the billions of chickens who suffer every day in factory farms, companies must stop using breeds of chickens who grow so grotesquely large they can’t even stand or walk. Today, more than 185 companies, including Aramark, Subway, Denny’s, and Conagra, have already committed to meet this standard.
One obvious company is missing from the list—McDonald’s. The fast food giant refuses to acknowledge the science that proves rapid growth breeds suffer from pain, deformities, and other issues, and instead is commissioning its own study to find any data that would reaffirm its weak position. Specifically, McDonald’s refuses to phase in higher welfare chicken breeds and instead has committed to use chickens raised in “better” environments. This ignores the science that rapid growth genetics, not environmental conditions, is the primary threat to chicken welfare.
This study from the University of Guelph further confirms that chickens, who are social and intelligent creatures, suffer from debilitating injuries and pain simply because of the way they’ve been bred for efficiency and profit. Their own bodies act like cages that restrict their movement and cause them mental and physical anguish, and it’s time we get them out. No longer can companies like McDonald’s get away with these cruel practices, especially with this clear evidence right in front of them.
Join The Humane League’s campaign to end this abuse by signing up for our Fast Action Network, where we take weekly actions to hold companies accountable for their mistreatment of animals raised for food.
