“Slower growing,” as defined by the Global Animal Partnership, is equal to or less than 50 grams of weight gained per chicken per day averaged over the growth cycle, compared to current industry average for all birds of approximately 61 grams per day. This means that in order to reach the same market weight, the birds would need to stay on the farm significantly longer. A study by the National Chicken Council detailed the environmental, economic and sustainability implications of raising slower growing chickens, revealing a sharp increase in chicken prices and the use of environmental resources – including water, air, fuel and land.
If only one-third of broiler chicken producers switched to a slower growing breed, nearly 1.5 billion more birds would be needed annually to produce the same amount of meat currently produced – requiring a tremendous increase in water, land and fuel consumption:
If the industry did not produce the additional 1.5 billion birds to meet current demand, the supply of chicken would significantly reduce to 27.5 billion less chicken meals per year. The additional cost of even 1/3 of the industry switching to slower growing birds would be $9 billion, which could have a notable financial impact on the cost of chicken for foodservice companies, retailers, restaurants and ultimately – consumers. This would increase food instability for those who can least afford to absorb increases in food prices.
More research is needed to better understand if raising chickens slower than they are today would advance progress on health and welfare. Research will help identify if there are additional, unforeseen consequences of raising birds longer.