Castration of male livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep) is performed to prevent unwanted reproduction, reduce aggression, and improve meat quality. Each method causes acute pain and welfare compromise without analgesia. Rubber ring application in lambs and calves causes sustained ischemic pain over days. Burdizzo clamp (bloodless castration) crushes the spermatic cord without skin incision but causes acute pain and occasional failures. Surgical castration under local anaesthesia with sedation produces the most reliable outcome with manageable welfare impact when performed correctly. Research confirms NSAIDs (meloxicam) significantly reduce pain behaviours and physiological stress indicators for 24-48 hours post-procedure across all methods. EU regulations mandate analgesia for pig castration after 2022; no equivalent requirements exist for cattle or sheep in most jurisdictions. Immunocastration (Improvac in pigs, Improvax in cattle) eliminates surgical castration while maintaining welfare benefits. Genetic selection for boar-taint-free and naturally polled animals represents the ultimate welfare-positive solution.