Selective breeding programs for Atlantic salmon have improved growth rates and disease resistance but also created welfare trade-offs that require ongoing attention.
Salmon genetic welfare involves complex trade-offs between production efficiency and animal health. The fastest-growing strains developed through intensive selection carry higher frequencies of welfare-compromising deformities and cardiac conditions. Industry recognition of this problem has driven inclusion of welfare-relevant traits in newer breeding indices. Genetic selection for disease and parasite resistance represents the most welfare-positive direction, potentially reducing chemical treatment stress while improving immune health. Transparent reporting of deformity rates and health outcomes by breeding companies would allow producers and consumers to make more welfare-informed choices.