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Meat Chicken Breeds Accepted For Use Within The RSPCA Assured Scheme

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.

Hubbard
Breed
Date
Indoor
Free-range
JA 757 09/2006* Yes Yes
JA 957 09/2006 Yes Yes
JA 787 08/2020 Under derogation** Under derogation**
JA 987 08/2020 Under derogation** Under derogation**
Norfolk Black 12/2019 Yes Yes
JACY57    08/2020 Yes Yes
Redbro 08/2022 Under derogation** No
Aviagen
Breed
Date
Indoor
Free-Range
Ranger Gold 05/2017 Yes Yes
Rambler Ranger 09/2017 Yes Yes
Ranger Classic 12/2023 Under derogation** No
Rustic Gold 05/2024 Under derogation** No

* 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.

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