Effective pain management for farm animals during routine husbandry procedures and illness is legally required in many countries but inconsistently implemented, leaving billions of animals experiencing preventable pain.
Farm animals undergo painful husbandry procedures including castration, dehorning, beak trimming, and branding routinely, with or without pain management depending on legislation, cost, and farmer attitude. The evidence base for pain in farm animals is robust; the gap is between evidence and practice. Certification requirements and veterinary engagement are driving gradual improvement.