Official figures have unveiled a distressing truth about the UK's chicken industry: over 80 million chickens didn't make it to slaughter weight last year, marking the highest mortality rates in a decade. Advocacy groups focusing on animal welfare are now urging retailers to consider a shift towards slower-growing bird breeds to address this concerning trend.

According to a recent report by Open Cages, an animal welfare campaign group, the prevalent use of fast-growing chicken breeds in production is associated with increased mortality rates, higher instances of lameness, and muscle diseases when compared to their slower-growing counterparts. The report reveals that a staggering 82.3 million chickens died prematurely in 2022, equating to an alarming mortality rate of nearly 7%, compared to 64 million in 2021.

In response to these figures, Open Cages is calling on retailers to transition to slower-growing breeds and allocate more space for the birds, emphasising that such a move could significantly decrease mortality rates. These fast-growing breeds, colloquially termed "Frankenchickens" by campaigners, grow so rapidly that their hearts and bone structures struggle to keep up.

The British Poultry Council, however, argues that there is insufficient consumer demand for the widespread adoption of slow-growing breeds, which would inevitably raise the price of chicken meat in supermarkets. Connor Jackson, Head of Open Cages, emphasized the need to phase out these fast-growing breeds, stating, "Just like eggs from caged hens, Frankenchickens must go if we want to live up to our ambitions of leading animal welfare standards."

Animal welfare organisations have been championing the Better Chicken Commitment, launched in 2017 to enhance poultry welfare in broiler production. The commitment calls for more space for birds and advocates for the use of slower-growing breeds. While some retailers, such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, have embraced this initiative, others have yet to follow suit.

The RSPCA has weighed in on the matter, pointing out that the figures underscore the subpar welfare standards in contemporary chicken production. The organisation highlighted the impact of avian influenza and fast-growing breeds on high mortality rates in broilers.

Despite these concerns, the British Poultry Council contends that the adoption of slow-growing breeds would demand more resources, resulting in a greater environmental impact. It asserts that consumers already have choices across different production systems, including organic and free-range, while ongoing industry research aims to improve efficiency and welfare.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether a shift towards slower-growing breeds will gain traction among retailers and consumers, or if the industry will explore alternative measures to address the alarming rise in chicken mortality rates.

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