Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to the first calendar year in which more than 25% of broiler chickens processed in the United Kingdom are identified as "slower-growing" breeds.

• Definition: "Slower-growing" breeds are defined in accordance with the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) standards, generally referring to strains that grow at a rate of less than 60 grams per day.

• Source of Truth: Resolution will be based on data published by UK government departments (e.g., Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - DEFRA) or reputable, industry-standard research reports that explicitly state the percentage of UK broiler production utilising slower-growing breeds.

• Fallbacks: If no official annual report provides a clear percentage, the market will rely on the consensus of major agricultural or animal welfare reporting bodies (e.g., British Poultry Council, Compassion in World Farming, or relevant academic studies from institutions such as the Royal Veterinary College).

• Edge Cases: If data is contested, the creator will resolve the market based on the most reliable, widely accepted industry figures available at that time.

Background

The majority of broiler chickens in the UK are currently fast-growing breeds, which have been selectively bred for rapid weight gain and high feed efficiency. Animal welfare organizations, through initiatives like the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), have long campaigned for a transition to slower-growing breeds to address health issues associated with rapid growth, such as lameness and poor heart/organ function.

Historically, slower-growing breeds have made up a very small percentage of the UK market—often estimated at 5% or less. While some retailers (such as Waitrose and M&S) have made commitments and progress toward adopting these breeds, the wider industry has faced significant resistance. Major barriers include concerns over increased production costs and questions regarding consumer willingness to pay higher prices for these welfare improvements. In early 2026, several large hospitality chains withdrew from the BCC, citing supply and economic pressures, further complicating the trajectory of breed transition in the UK.

This description was generated by AI.