VegEco
Animals

Broiler chickens: fast growth and its costs

Growth-rate genetics, stocking density, footpad dermatitis, thinning, catching and the Better Chicken Commitment.

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Questions this hub answers

How old are chickens when they are slaughtered?
Conventional broilers reach slaughter weight in roughly 35–42 days. Their natural lifespan is five to ten years.
What is the Better Chicken Commitment?
A set of welfare criteria covering slower-growing breeds, lower stocking density, enrichment, natural light and controlled-atmosphere stunning, adopted by a growing number of food companies.