Where Is the Chicken’s Welfare? Rethinking Broiler Housing Systems in Modern Production

Broiler production is a major contributor to global food supply and economic growth, yet housing systems vary significantly in their ability to support welfare, productivity, and sustainability. This review compares conventional, enriched, free-range, and organic housing systems, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and welfare implications. Conventional indoor systems, while efficient, are often linked to welfare problems such as lameness, contact dermatitis, heat stress, and restricted behaviour due to high stocking densities and limited stimulation. Enriched systems, which incorporate perches, platforms, barriers, and manipulable materials, can promote natural behaviours, activity, and leg health, though their impact depends on enrichment design and bird genotype. Free-range and organic systems offer outdoor access and support natural foraging and exploration, but introduce challenges related to weather, predation, parasites, and inconsistent litter quality. Welfare outcomes across systems are strongly influenced by ventilation, lighting, stocking density, enrichment strategies, and breed selection, with slower-growing genotypes showing better suitability for enriched and outdoor environments. Overall, no single housing system provides optimal outcomes across welfare, productivity, and sustainability. Progress in broiler production will require integrated approaches that balance welfare with environmental and economic considerations, supported by continued innovation in housing design and management.