Commercial livestock genetics companies control the breeding of billions of farm animals globally, with enormous influence over welfare outcomes through the traits they select.
Livestock genetics companies occupy a unique position in the animal welfare landscape because their breeding decisions determine the welfare capacity of billions of animals before those animals are born. Selection for extreme growth rate, high egg production, or high milk yield creates the physiological vulnerabilities that cause suffering throughout production systems. Companies that select for welfare-compatible traits — moderate growth rates, robust immune systems, temperament suited to farming conditions — produce animals with better welfare throughout their lives. Third-party welfare assessment of breed lines and public disclosure of welfare outcomes are tools that enable genetics companies to be held accountable for welfare implications of their selection decisions.