Channel catfish aquaculture is the largest freshwater fish farming sector in the USA. Welfare improvements in pond culture systems require attention alongside production optimisation.
Channel catfish welfare in US pond systems is primarily challenged by summer oxygen management. Thermal stratification with cold anoxic bottom water and warm oxygen-depleted surface water during hot nights causes mass mortality events despite aeration efforts. Chronic exposure to suboptimal oxygen levels causes persistent stress. Mechanical aeration systems have reduced mortality events but welfare during suboptimal conditions remains a concern. Processing plant electrical stunning practices provide reasonable welfare at slaughter compared to practices in less regulated markets.