Modern livestock genetics have been shaped almost entirely by production efficiency, but welfare-inclusive breeding programs are demonstrating that health and productivity can be aligned.
Livestock genetics directly shapes the welfare of billions of animals across generations. Selection programs that prioritise production without regard for health traits create animals that are productive but chronically compromised. The dairy industry's experience with high-yielding Holsteins demonstrates the welfare cost of extreme selection — high mastitis, lameness and metabolic disease rates. Welfare-inclusive breeding indexes that include health, longevity and fitness traits alongside production have demonstrated compatibility between good welfare and sustainable productivity. The genetics of tomorrow's livestock are being selected today.