Evidence-based approaches to improving welfare in rainbow trout aquaculture, from water quality management to humane slaughter.
Rainbow trout welfare in aquaculture systems depends fundamentally on water quality management, appropriate stocking density, and careful handling throughout the production cycle. As fish with demonstrable nociception and learning capacity, their suffering during poor conditions or stressful handling deserves serious consideration. High stocking densities commonly used in intensive production cause elevated stress hormones, reduced growth, and increased injury from conspecific aggression. Water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, and ammonia levels directly affect physiological stress. Implementing welfare monitoring protocols and humane slaughter practices represents meaningful progress for this commercially important species.