ANIMAL WELFARE ASPECTS OF HUSBANDRY SYSTEMS FOR FARMED TROUT Prepared by Working Group on Trout Welfare

The scientific report on the animal welfare aspects of husbandry systems for farmed trout constitutes the background document to the opinion adopted by the Animal Health and Welfare panel on the 11 September 2008. The scientific report focuses on the two main species of trout farmed in Europe, rainbow trout and brown trout. A description of their life cycle both wild and in production and a description of the main production systems was done. The Working group of experts identified a list of production factors affecting the welfare of farmed trout. These factors were classified in seven categories: abiotic, biotic, feed and feeding, husbandry and management, genetic, disease and disease control measures. The scientific literature but also industrial knowledge was taken into account on the description of the various factors identified and their potential welfare impact. A risk assessment approach was developed to assess the welfare risks for farmed trout of each of the identified hazards for the various life stages of farmed trout in the various production systems considered.