The gut microbiome plays a critical role in salmon health, immunity, and welfare. Advances in understanding salmon gut microbiome dynamics are informing nutritional and management strategies.
A healthy gut microbiome supports salmon immunity, nutrient absorption, and behavioural welfare. Microbiome disruption from dietary changes, antibiotic treatment, or stressful conditions increases disease susceptibility and may compromise welfare directly through gut discomfort. Nutritional strategies that support beneficial microbiome composition represent a welfare-positive approach to salmon health management.