Genomic selection in dairy breeding has accelerated genetic progress but intensified welfare challenges by further optimizing production traits while health and welfare trait selection lags behind.
Genomic selection is a powerful tool that can serve welfare or undermine it depending on the breeding objectives selected. When indices weight only production traits, welfare problems are intensified generation by generation. When indices appropriately weight health, fertility, and longevity alongside production, genetic progress improves rather than harms welfare across the herd.