Farmed Animals

Pain Recognition in Sheep

Sheep often mask signs of pain as a prey species, making early identification of painful conditions challenging but critical.

Key Facts

Sheep are prey animals and suppress overt pain signs
The Sheep Pain Facial Action Unit system aids pain assessment
Lameness, wound infections, and mastitis are common sources of pain
Sheep pay a welfare cost even for minor undiagnosed pain
Regular handling allows stockpersons to identify subtle pain signs

Welfare Considerations

Pain recognition in sheep is essential for timely treatment and prevention of suffering. The ovine facial action unit system and lameness scoring provide validated tools for assessing pain. Training stockpersons in pain recognition and providing access to analgesics are key components of responsible sheep husbandry.

What You Can Do

Advocate for pain assessment training in sheep farming courses
Support use of validated pain scoring tools on farms
Encourage routine lameness and welfare audits
Support policies requiring analgesic use for painful procedures
Raise awareness among sheep farmers about pain recognition