Accepted meat chicken breeds

The following breeds have been independently assessed according to the RSPCA’s broiler breed welfare assessment protocol and have been accepted for use within the RSPCA Assured scheme.

The RSPCA broiler breed welfare assessment protocol assesses breeds for several key welfare outcome measures, including growth rate, leg health and mortality. All of the trials are independently carried out to ensure impartiality.

If you are interested in conducting a trial or have any questions, please contact the RSPCA Farm Animals Department.

* This breed has been used under the RSPCA scheme for many years.

In 2006, the RSPCA welfare standards for chickens restricted the genetic growth rate to 45g/day; this breed was acceptable for use under this standard.

In 2013, the RSPCA welfare standards changed from permitting a maximum genetic growth rate per day to requiring breeds to be independently assessed according to the RSPCA broiler welfare assessment protocol. The JA757 is the control bird in this protocol and, as such, is not subjected to re-testing every eight years.

** Breeds listed as being under derogation are in the process of being further improved.