Selective breeding using genomic tools can either improve or undermine animal welfare depending on which traits are prioritised alongside production.
Livestock genomics offers a powerful lever for improving animal welfare at scale. When breeding programmes incorporate functional traits like disease resistance, longevity, and behavioural indicators alongside yield, populations become healthier across generations. The challenge is economic pressure: traits that improve welfare often have lower immediate financial returns than production traits. Transparent index weighting and regulatory frameworks that require welfare trait inclusion can shift incentives. Consumer demand for welfare-assured products also creates market signals that reward breeding organisations investing in welfare genomics.