Dutch slower growing chickens require less antibiotics than fast-growing chickens

This briefing shows data from the Dutch industry which indicate that slower-growing chickens are at least 3x less likely to require antibiotic treatment as fast growing ones.

This followed a campaign called “plofkip” (exploding chicken) which successfully persuaded the main Dutch retailers to require slower growing chickens. Some of them also required the provision of extra space.

There is also evidence from figures from 2014 that even the higher welfare requirements of the Dutch “Beter Leven” scheme which requires chickens to be reared for a minimum of 56 days, as well as providing extra space, a veranda and enrichment, reduce antibiotic requirements even further.