Practically all chickens raised for meat within the U.S. manufacturing unit farming system are Cornish Cross birds. White Rock and Cornish chickens have been deliberately crossed to create a breed that grows unnaturally giant and quick, maximizing the trade’s revenue. Attributable to their weight, some birds can’t stand or stroll—and those that survive to succeed in “market weight” are slaughtered at round 6-7 weeks of age. Not solely do they endure bodily on this system, however these clever, socially advanced birds who’re conscious of their environments are denied the possibility to have interaction of their most pure behaviors, leading to psychological struggling as nicely.
“Whereas the small pattern measurement requires us to stay cautious in our interpretations, these outcomes recommend that to expertise optimistic welfare, chickens may should be given the flexibility to be taught and to manage features of their atmosphere—on this case, entry to rewards,” wrote Sasha Prasad-Shreckengast, lead creator of the examine and Farm Sanctuary’s Senior Supervisor of Analysis & Sanctuary Animal Welfare.
