Abstract:

With the deepening advancement of sustainable development concepts in global animal husbandry， welfare-oriented broiler farming has emerged as a critical direction for industrial transformation. This study systematically analyzes the current status， core challenges， and future trends of global broiler welfare farming. It employs a multidimensional perspectives including policy， technology， and market dynamics， while comparing the practical approaches adopted in developed regions （e.g.， the EU and the U.S.） and those in China. Research demonstrates that the EU has established a relatively comprehensive legislative framework for welfare farming through regulations such as *Council Directive 2007/43/EC*， which mandates controlled stocking density （33-42 kg/m2）， optimized lighting and ventilation conditions， and the gradual adoption of slow-growing breeds （daily weight gain ≤50 g/d， slaughter age 49-81 days）. These measures have significantly improved welfare indicators compared to conventional practices. In contrast， while the U.S. lacks unified federal legislation， certain states （e.g.， California） have enacted laws like the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to promote improvements in space allocation and health management for farm animals. Furthermore， leading industry stakeholders in the U.S. have also initiated piloting slow-growing breeds （50 g/d， slaughter age ≥56 days） and floor-rearing systems. China， though having released the Animal Welfare Requirements for Broilers （T/CAS 267-2017） group standard in 2017， still implements welfare farming practices predominantly confined to export-oriented enterprises. The white-feathered broiler sector remains dominated by high-density cage systems （≤33 kg/m2）， while yellow-feathered broilers exhibit partial welfare enhancements through measures such as the provision of perches and litter. However， widespread adoption of comprehensive welfare practices in China is hindered by policy gaps， cost constraints， and limited consumer awareness. Technologically， intelligent farming equipment has become a key driver for welfare enhancement. Future trends indicate that an increasing consumer willingness to pay premiums for welfare-assured products will foster market segmentation. Concurrently， the integration of advanced technologies， including 5G connectivity， Artificial Intelligence （AI）， and robotics， is expected to further reduce the costs of welfare farming practices. From a policy perspective， the EU plans to revise regulations to strengthen enforcement mechanisms， whereas China faces the imperative of developing and implementing localized welfare standards. This study provides theoretical and practical insights relevant to the sustainable and welfare-conscious transition of the global broiler industry. It recommends that countries adopt differentiated pathways based on their resource endowments and technological capabilities—developed nations are advised to reinforce policy constraints and technological innovation， while developing countries should aim to strike a balance between production efficiency and animal welfare through gradual standardization and market-oriented approaches.

Key words: animal welfare, chicken, sustainable development, animal husbandry, technological innovation