The aim of this study is to review the influence of genotype on animal welfare and the properties of chicken meat in organic systems. Organic systems prefer slow-growing hybrid birds, though they do permit the use of other strains if reared to the age of 81 days. Fast-growing strains, which are usually used in conventional systems for the purpose of economic gain, can be bred organically for the same reason. Unsuitable organic system conditions for fast-growing birds reflect badly on animal welfare. Carcass characteristics and the physical and chemical properties of chicken meat were influenced by the genotype of the birds. Superior characteristics of some carcass portions (breast weight and yield) of fast-growing chickens could be in the interest of producers, whereas the higher meat quality of slow-growing broilers could be to the advantage of consumers.
