A slower-growing chicken
For us, the choice of chicken breed is a matter of values — we believe in responsible and sustainable food production.
The path to becoming a world leader in animal welfare began in 2018. That year, we switched to a chicken breed that has documented better animal welfare than the standard chicken in Norway. Common challenges seen in fast-growing chickens are virtually absent in the Hubbard breed.
Norsk Kylling remains the only large-scale producer using only slower-growing chickens. Now, we need 3.9 million fewer chickens per year to produce the same amount of meat as before. Just think about what that means for reducing food waste and strengthening food security in Norway!
Hubbard
15 % less daily growth
41 % longer life
63 % better health
80 % lower mortality in transportation
40 % lower daily mortality
Sources
We need 3.9 million fewer chickens per year to produce the same amount of meat as before
For stricter regulations
Norsk Kylling has over seven years of experience producing slower-growing chickens. For three years, we have been certified under the animal welfare standard European Chicken Commitment (ECC). This has provided us with valuable experience that should benefit the rest of the industry.
In 2024, we were deeply involved in the government’s development of a new animal welfare law. Our message was clear: we want clearer requirements and stricter regulations. For Norway to achieve its ambition of being a leader in animal welfare, the regulations must also set the standard.
Based on international research, the ECC animal welfare standard, and our own experiences with different chicken breeds, we provided the following input to the new animal welfare law:
Requirements for the use of slower-growing chickens
Requirements for natural light in both new and existing poultry farmhouses
Requirements for increased space in poultry houses, from 36 kg/m² to 30 kg/m²
Clear requirements for environmental enrichments
Requirements for labeling and auditing of animal welfare
We are proud that our efforts with the new animal welfare law have succeeded
The government has listened to our experiences and has set requirements for natural light and windows in farmhouses, as well as that chickens should have access to environmental enrichments. The government also acknowledges that fast growth is a significant welfare challenge and states that they will closely monitor the rest of the industry’s transition to slower-growing breeds.
Green light from the Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance
In the Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance’s consumer guide, all products produced by Norsk Kylling have received a green light. This means that the animal welfare in the production of chicken from Solvinge, Stange, Prima, and Norsk Kylling is rated at the highest level currently available in grocery stores.
– The transition to Hubbard chicken has been a groundbreaking step for animal welfare in the Norwegian poultry industry. The collaboration between Norsk Kylling and the Animal Protection Alliance has led to a better life for millions of chickens, and shows that the business sector can be a driving force for improved animal welfare when we work together towards common goals, says Live Kleveland, Communications Manager at the Norwegian Animal Protection Alliance.
You can take a look at the consumer guide here.
The transition to Hubbard chicken has been a groundbreaking step for animal welfare in the Norwegian poultry industry.