Study Links Slow-Growing Broiler Breeds with More Positive Animal Welfare

University of Arkansas research comparing conventional and slow-growing broiler breeds showed that the slow-growing chickens displayed behaviors more closely associated with positive welfare. In this study, a larger percentage of slow-growing broilers that need up to 12 weeks to reach maturity were observed standing, walking, and preening, while more conventional broilers (raised for six to eight weeks) sat in a lateral posture. Though gaining popularity in some European markets, slow-growing broilers have not seen the same market expansion in the United States, as they take longer to reach market weight.