Rainbow trout are one of the most widely farmed freshwater fish globally, and welfare science has advanced considerably in recent years to improve practice.
Rainbow trout welfare has benefited from significant research investment as a commercially important species. Evidence for trout pain and stress experience is strong, informing stocking density guidelines, water quality standards, and slaughter protocols. Remaining welfare challenges include disease management without overuse of treatments that themselves cause stress, transport welfare, and ensuring stunning efficacy is maintained during high-throughput slaughter. Progressive retailers and certification bodies are driving continuous improvement through supply chain requirements.