The RSPCA commissioned a report looking at fast-growing breeds compared to a slower-growing, higher welfare breed of chicken. The results are conclusive: genetics of these fast-growing chickens fail to safeguard welfare to such an extent that many birds could be considered as having a life not worth living.

Why chicken production needs to change

• Slower growing over fast-growing. We found significant inefficiencies in standard meat chicken production. It's clear that fast-growing breeds suffer from poor health and welfare due to their genetics. Legislation is needed to safeguard the welfare of chickens must be implemented.

• Cheap chicken. If issues such as mortality, lameness and downgraded carcasses due to poor meat quality (wooden breast and white striping) were taken into account, it would have a considerable impact on the cost of cheap chicken. The price of chicken is kept artificially low because these issues not being addressed adequately.

• Environmental impact. As well as being ethically questionable, the wastefulness of the industry brings into question just how environmentally sustainable standard production is. Slower-growing higher welfare breeds should replace fast-growing breeds.