Androgen hormone treatment for tilapia sex reversal raises welfare questions about larval fish biology and stress during intensive early-life management.
The welfare significance of hormone treatment for tilapia sex reversal depends on the welfare capacity of larval fish at the treatment stage, which remains uncertain. Current evidence suggests larval fish at 10-14 days post hatch have limited nociceptive capacity. The handling stress associated with treatment protocols in dense culture conditions is likely the primary welfare concern. YY genetic technology eliminates hormone use but still requires larval handling. Welfare-focused tilapia production should assess handling stress during sex determination processes and minimise unnecessary larval density and disturbance.