RSPCA Asks Supermarkets To Buy Slow Growing Chickens
Written by Vegetarian Star on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 in Animal Issues.
The RSPCA is asking supermarkets in the UK to replace chickens bought from farmers who use a faster growing method with birds obtained by rearing more slowly to improve animal welfare.
“Science and practical experience clearly demonstrate that this would lead to an even greater improvement in the welfare of many millions of chickens,” said Dr. Marc Cooper, senior scientist for the ASPCA.
Dr. Cooper said that many retailers are already buying more ethical food under the ASPCA’s Freedom Food Scheme, which details standards that are to be met during animal rearing, but more can be done.
According to the UK Vegetarian Society, skeletal disorders and heart failure are two common conditions that occur in fast growing chickens.
The structure of the bones of fast growing birds cannot keep pace with the growth of the muscle and fat, causing pain and making it difficult to move.
Heart failure is thought to occur because the high amounts of Oxygen needed to keep pace with their metabolism agitates the cardio-pulmonary system.
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