Pain Recognition in Pigs: Science and Practice

Recognising pain in pigs is challenging due to their social nature and tendency to suppress signs of vulnerability, but validated tools are improving detection and treatment.

Key Facts

The Porcine Grimace Scale provides a validated facial pain indicator for pigs
Pigs in pain show reduced activity, altered posture, and reluctance to move
Acute pain from procedures including castration and tail docking is often untreated
Chronic pain from conditions including arthritis and lameness is poorly recognised
Training stockpeople in pain recognition improves treatment rates and welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Pigs that express pain signs risk social disadvantage in group-housed systems, creating pressure to suppress visible indicators. This makes pain recognition particularly challenging for observers. Validated pain assessment tools that focus on facial expressions and behavioural indicators provide more objective evidence than production-based metrics. Stockperson training in pain recognition combined with easy access to appropriate analgesics can substantially reduce untreated pain in pigs.

What You Can Do

Support training programmes teaching validated pig pain recognition to stockpeople
Advocate for analgesic use requirements in farm assurance schemes for painful procedures
Choose pork from farms with documented pain management protocols
Support research into pig pain assessment tools suitable for commercial use
Encourage veterinary health planning that addresses pain management as a welfare priority