Denmark's Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare Christian Rabjerg Madsen (S) wants a national ban on producing so-called turbokyllinger, the fast-growing chickens. He told TV 2 he will work for a ban, after the broadcaster published hidden recordings from a chicken barn in North Jutland, according to DR and Berlingske.
The breed involved, Ross 308, grows from about 50 grams to 2 kilos in around 33 days. Other chicken breeds take between 46 and 63 days to reach the same weight. Some 80 of the roughly 120 million slaughter chickens produced in Denmark each year are of that breed.
The fast growth can cause problems with legs and organs.
TV 2 reported that Christian Tvergaard, one of the country's largest chicken producers, broke the law in his production of Ross 308. The recordings show his chickens received only three hours of darkness a day for most of their lives, while the rules require at least six. Darkness stops chickens eating, so three hours means they eat more and reach a higher slaughter weight.
"The images we have seen from the production of Danish turbokyllinger are unacceptable. They bear witness to very large challenges with animal welfare. I would also like to work for a national ban," Rabjerg Madsen said.
He said a ban must be investigated both legally and economically, and he would not put months or years on when it could take effect.
There is backing across the Folketing. Alternativet, Enhedslisten, SF, Radikale Venstre, Liberal Alliance and the Conservatives have all said they support a ban. Conservative animal welfare spokesperson Mai Mercado called it "really good" and said it is also her party's position.
She added that it is important "we don't just replace bad Danish welfare with bad Chinese or Polish animal welfare."
Britta Riis, director of animal protection group Dyrenes Beskyttelse, said the proposal was received with open arms. "We are really happy. It's something we have worked with for decades, and it's a production form that must stop," she said.
She acknowledged that a chicken may become a little more expensive to buy. Campaign manager Mathias Madsen of Anima called the news "completely fantastic" and said the organisation hopes the minister will work quickly.
Earlier coverage
- Denmark's turbo chicken case tests farm welfare law (28 Oct 2026)