Scattered insects offer practical boost to poultry welfare, new research shows

Modern broiler chicken strains have been selectively bred for rapid growth, increased meat yield and feed efficiency, making poultry meat affordable and widely available. But this has led to reduced movement and natural behaviors, such as foraging, and increased susceptibility to conditions linked to inactivity such as poor leg health and skin lesions. These welfare issues can in turn cause significant economic losses in the broiler industry.