Breeds with limited growth rate - chicken

This requirement can be followed up by carrying out a spot check. This can be done, for example, by checking one of the following:

Certification
If the requirement has been verified by means of a certification, follow-up is possible by checking that there is a valid certificate. This is checked on the website of the relevant labelling organisation, such as Label Rouge or Danmarks bedre dyrevelferd.

Other documentation
If the requirement has been verified by means of other documentation such as a certificate issued by an accredited certification body, the requirement can be followed up by ensuring that fulfilment of the requirement is demonstrated by compliance with the ECC criteria or by demonstrating the use of slow growing breeds, for example.

This criterion is strongly market-limiting and cost-driving, and hence a market discussion should be held to ensure that the product(s) in question can meet the requirement.
Find out more about market analysis.

This criterion should be applied in combination with the Health accounting system – chicken and turkey criterion, Requirement ID 10903.

A study has shown that slow growing broiler chicken breeds exhibit more natural behaviours and have better health¹. The RSPCA (Animal Welfare in the UK) also states on its website that fast growing chickens can suffer greatly due to the pressure on their bones, muscles and organs, which in turn can lead to problems with movement and other issues. That is why the RSPCA only labels chickens with slower growth rates.

A study² from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences looking at slow growing chicken hybrids shows that fortification of food, access to outdoor exercise and slow growing hybrids are ways to increase animal welfare in organic production.

EFSA³ (the European Food Safety Authority) has published an article in which they refer to slow growing breeds as breeds with a growth rate of less than 50 grams per day and state that this is a parameter for enhanced chicken welfare.

The European Chicken Commitment (ECC) states in its criteria – which will come into force in 2026 – that ECC-compliant chickens shall be one of the following slow growing breeds: 
Hubbard Redbro (indoor), Hubbard Norfolk Black, JA757, JACY57, 787, 957, or 987, Rambler Ranger, Ranger Classic or Ranger Gold, or other breeds that meet the criteria of the RSPCA Broiler Breed Welfare Assessment Protocol. All breeds listed in the ECC have a maximum growth rate of 50 grams per day, except for Ranger Classic.

¹ Rayner, Slow-growing broilers are healthier and express more behavioural indicators of positive welfare (2020)
² Göransson et al., Behaviour in Slower-Growing Broilers and Free-Range Access on Organic Farms in Sweden (2021)
³ EFSA, Wellfare of broilers on farm, EFSA Journal volume 21, published 2023-02-21

The version date indicates when the sustainability criterion was created or last updated. Last reviewed dated tells when we last checked that the sustainability criterion still is relevant.