Science and Policy

Genomics and Animal Welfare: Breeding for Healthier Animals

Genomic selection allows breeding programs to select for welfare-positive traits including disease resistance and behavioral temperament.

Key Facts

Genomic selection can identify disease resistance genes within weeks of birth
Mastitis resistance is an actively selected trait in elite dairy cattle breeding programs
Temperament can be measured and selected for in cattle, reducing human-animal conflict
Keel bone strength in laying hens is a trait being investigated for genetic selection

Welfare Considerations

Genomic selection tools now allow breeders to rapidly improve welfare-relevant traits including disease resistance, behavioral temperament, and structural soundness. This represents a fundamental shift from selecting solely for production traits toward selecting for health and welfare alongside productivity. Welfare-directed breeding programs can produce animals that are simultaneously healthier, less stressed, and more productive.

What You Can Do

Support breeding program investment in welfare-relevant trait selection
Advocate for breeding program incentives that reward welfare alongside production traits
Follow research in genomics applied to farm animal welfare improvement
Engage with animal breeding industry about welfare trait incorporation into selection indices