Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Gut Health Microbiome Welfare

Salmon gut health and microbiome composition affect immunity, disease resistance, and welfare, with nutrition playing a central role.

Key Facts

Salmon intestinal microbiome is shaped by feed composition and production environment
Plant-based protein ingredients change gut microbiome compared to fishmeal diets
Dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance) increases susceptibility to enteric disease
Probiotics and prebiotic supplements can restore beneficial microbiome composition
Gut health indicators include intestinal morphology, inflammation markers, and performance

Welfare Considerations

Gut health is a welfare determinant in farmed salmon. Poor gut microbiome balance causes enteritis, nutrient malabsorption, and immune compromise, all of which cause welfare costs. As salmon diets transition from fishmeal to plant-based ingredients, maintaining gut health through microbiome management becomes increasingly important.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture research into salmon gut health and microbiome management
Choose certified salmon from farms using evidence-based gut health management
Advocate for gut health monitoring as a welfare indicator in aquaculture certification