Norway has become the first country in the world to commit to phasing out fast-growing chicken breeds across its entire poultry industry. The landmark agreement, reached between **Nortura**, the **KLF association**, and Norway's major poultry producers, will come into full effect by the end of 2027 — affecting approximately **70 million chickens** raised for meat every year.
**What Are 'Frankenchickens'?**
Fast-growing broiler breeds — nicknamed "Frankenchickens" by animal welfare advocates — are genetically selected to reach slaughter weight in as little as 42 days. Breeds like the **Ross 308** grow so quickly that their bodies can barely keep up. The result is chronic suffering: leg pain, lameness, cardiac failure, and inability to walk. Many birds collapse under their own weight before they even reach processing age.
In Norway, around **60% of chickens** raised for meat were fast-growing breeds. Globally, they dominate industrial poultry — making this decision all the more historic.
**A World First**
Animal welfare organisations worldwide have hailed the decision as a watershed moment. **Compassion in World Farming**, which has campaigned against fast-growing breeds for decades, called it "a historic victory that proves the industry can prioritise ethics alongside efficiency."
The agreement also includes ending the culling of male chicks in the egg industry by **July 1, 2027**, using in-ovo sexing technology to identify male eggs before hatching — eliminating the killing of approximately 3 million male chicks per year in Norway alone.
**Anima International**, one of the organisations that helped broker the agreement, noted: "No other country has done this across an entire national industry. This demonstrates it is operationally and commercially viable."
**The Ripple Effect**
Several major UK and European retailers have already pledged to source only from the 'Better Chicken Commitment' standard — requiring slower-growing breeds, better living conditions, and more space. Norway's national industry-wide adoption raises the bar for what is achievable. Animal welfare experts believe the move could trigger a domino effect across Europe and beyond.
The European Commission is currently reviewing its animal welfare legislation. Advocates hope Norway's move will strengthen calls for EU-wide restrictions on fast-growing breeds.
Slower-growing breeds take longer to reach slaughter weight — typically 56+ days versus 42 — which increases costs. But Norway's producers have committed to the transition, and consumer education campaigns are expected to accompany it.
This is what progress looks like: one country, one decision, 70 million animals per year who will live without chronic pain. 🐔🌍
*Sources: Compassion in World Farming · Anima International · Nortura press release · Plant Based News · New Food Magazine · March 2026*
