Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Gut Health: Microbiome Welfare Implications

Farmed salmon gut health and microbiome integrity are emerging welfare science areas with implications for immunity and behaviour.

Key Facts

Gut microbiome composition affects immune function, behaviour, and stress responses in salmon
High soy-based diets alter gut microbiome negatively compared to traditional fish meal diets
Probiotic supplementation improves gut barrier function and reduces stress responses in salmon
Dysbiosis linked to diet change is a welfare concern during the transition from freshwater to saltwater

Welfare Considerations

Salmon gut health affects welfare through immune function, behaviour, and stress sensitivity. Dietary factors that promote dysbiosis increase welfare vulnerability. Nutrition strategies that support microbiome integrity represent a welfare as well as production improvement.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture nutrition research into salmon gut health and welfare
Advocate for salmon nutrition standards that include welfare-relevant gut health parameters
Choose salmon from farms demonstrating evidence-based nutrition management