Denmark is pushing for a ban on the rearing of ultra-fast-growing broiler chickens, known as \u00abturbo chickens\u00bb, and is calling for the restrictions to be extended across the European Union. This follows a journalistic investigation which uncovered possible breaches of poultry welfare regulations at one of the country\u2019s largest farms. Of particular concern is the Ross 308 crossbreed, whose birds can reach a weight of two kilograms in just 33 days.<\/p>\n
The scandal erupted following the broadcast of an investigative documentary by the Danish television channel TV2. Journalists released footage filmed with a hidden camera at the premises of one of the major chicken producers, Christian Tvergaard, in North Jutland.<\/p>\n
The video captured the conditions in which the poultry were kept, which, according to the journalists\u2019 findings, breached the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n
In particular, the chicks were given only three hours of darkness per day instead of the six hours required by law. This lighting regime made it possible to increase the birds\u2019 active time and feed intake, thereby accelerating weight gain.<\/p>\n
The footage also showed chickens that were struggling to stand and move around. Some of the birds were lying on the floor or were unable to stand properly.<\/p>\n
Following the publication of the investigation, the owner of the business, Christian Tvergaard, acknowledged mistakes in the organisation of production. According to him, the farm has changed its lighting schedule and stepped up internal monitoring of compliance with poultry husbandry procedures.<\/p>\n
The Ross 308 industrial crossbreed, which is widely used on poultry farms in Denmark and other European countries, became the focus of the discussion.<\/p>\n
It was bred to ensure the fastest possible growth and efficient use of feed.<\/p>\n
A chick weighs approximately 50 grams at hatching. In just 33 days, it can reach two kilograms. By way of comparison, slow-growing breeds and crossbreeds take approximately 46\u201363 days to reach a similar weight.<\/p>\n
However, this rate of growth carries risks to the birds\u2019 health. According to animal welfare experts, the skeleton and internal organs do not always have time to adapt to the rapid increase in body weight.<\/p>\n
This can result in bone development disorders, mobility problems and skin damage caused by prolonged bed rest.<\/p>\n
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also highlighted the negative consequences of intensive breeding of chickens for accelerated growth. In its scientific recommendations, the agency proposed limiting the rate of weight gain in broilers.<\/p>\n
Christian Rabjerg Madsen, Denmark\u2019s Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare, has stated that the government will work towards a national ban on the rearing of such chickens.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Copenhagen plans to push for similar restrictions at European Union level.<\/p>\n
According to the minister, the rapid growth of Ross 308 poses systemic problems for the welfare of the birds. Before introducing restrictions, the government must assess their legal and economic implications.<\/p>\n
The initiative has received support from representatives of various political parties in Denmark.<\/p>\n
However, a national ban could create a new problem for local producers. If Danish farms stop rearing fast-growing broilers, whilst imports of such products remain permitted, shops may simply replace local chicken with imported chicken.<\/p>\n
This was emphasised by Clement Ginkb\u00f8l Ribergaard, the head of the Danish chicken producer Danpo. In his view, without uniform rules for imported products, the new restrictions will not bring about the expected improvement in poultry welfare.<\/p>\n
The issue of fast-growing broilers is not confined to Denmark.<\/p>\n
According to estimates by the animal welfare organisation Eurogroup for Animals, around 95% chickens in the European Union are reared in intensive farming systems.<\/p>\n
The organisation is calling for a switch to slow-growing crossbreeds and for stricter requirements to be imposed on poultry housing conditions.<\/p>\n
The Danish organisation Animal Protection Denmark is proposing to increase the minimum rearing period for chickens to 56 days \u2014 in line with the requirements for organic production.<\/p>\n
The European Commission is already preparing a review of legislation on the welfare of farm animals. As part of the strategy adopted in July 2026, Brussels has set out plans to put forward proposals to update the rules on the rearing of broiler chickens by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
At present, a ban on the Ross 308 has not been adopted either in Denmark or at EU level. The Danish government has not yet specified any particular timeframe for its possible introduction.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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