CIWF slams ‘industrially farmed turkeys’
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is urging consumers to buy organic or free-range turkeys this year, claiming that modern breeding techniques have made the turkey’s body “its own worst enemy”.
An article on CIWF’s website said intensive genetic selection has rendered “industrially farmed turkeys” unable to breed naturally. “Sadly, these incredibly heavy birds often develop lameness – and this obviously causes them pain,” the statement read.
It cited a Michigan State University study that said “there is no means of addressing the femur fracture problem other than slowing the growth rate and reducing the final weight of the bird.”
“Turkey breeding companies are highly committed to delivering continuous progress on balanced breeding, enhancing welfare, robustness and sustainable birds.”
British Poultry Council
CIWF says that turkeys should be bred for lighter weights and slower growth. It also calls for them to be “let outside so that they can exercise and strengthen their bones.”
But the British Poultry Council (BPC) insists the article is not an accurate reflection of the industry. Turkey breeders seek a balanced breeding programme, selecting for fitness and health as well as performance, it says. Alongside these, “large investments in research and technology have resulted in improvements in skeletal health, metabolic health and robustness”.
Leg strength evaluation of every bird in the breeding programme is a fundamental step and has produced good leg health in commercial turkey flocks.
A spokesman for the BPC said: “Turkey breeding companies are highly committed to delivering continuous progress on balanced breeding, enhancing welfare, robustness and sustainable birds.”
CIWF slates Red Tractor Scheme