Male piglets are routinely castrated without anaesthesia in many countries to prevent boar taint in meat — but alternatives exist that can eliminate this painful procedure.
Surgical castration without anaesthesia is acutely painful. Piglets show vocalization, defensive postures, and behavioural changes that persist for days post-procedure. The procedure is medically unnecessary where alternatives work — immunocastration is effective and widely adopted in some countries. The welfare harm is substantial and avoidable.