Rainbow trout are extensively used in research; welfare refinement for handling, sampling, and housing significantly reduces stress and improves both animal welfare and data quality.
Rainbow trout welfare refinement in research demonstrates what is achievable when welfare science is applied systematically to a fish species. Species-specific handling guidelines developed through research into trout physiology and stress responses have been widely adopted in laboratory settings. The principles — minimise air exposure, match water temperatures, use appropriate anaesthesia for prolonged procedures — are applicable across many aquaculture and research fish species where similar guidelines are less developed.