Sheep are stoic animals that suppress pain signs, making recognition and management of sheep pain one of the most challenging aspects of livestock veterinary care.
Sheep that suppress pain signs due to prey animal anti-predator behaviour are at particular risk of having pain go unrecognised and untreated. Validated pain assessment tools that observe facial and postural indicators provide more objective evidence. Training farmers to use these tools and ensuring easy access to appropriate analgesics are key steps toward better sheep pain management. Pain management also improves production outcomes, creating economic incentives alongside welfare ones.