Genetic selection for welfare-relevant traits alongside production can improve welfare outcomes at the level of the breeding herd.
Genetic selection focused exclusively on production traits has inadvertently created welfare problems including dairy cow lameness, mastitis susceptibility, and broiler structural problems. Expanding breeding indexes to include health, longevity, temperament, and disease resistance creates breeding stock that is more robust and welfare-positive. Nordic dairy breeds selected for longevity and health demonstrate better welfare outcomes alongside competitive production.