Systematic pain recognition and management in cattle improves welfare while supporting production outcomes. Evidence-based protocols address the most common painful conditions in dairy and beef herds.
Cattle pain management has lagged behind companion animal pain management despite the large numbers of cattle experiencing painful procedures and conditions. The economic argument for pain management is increasingly compelling: treated cattle recover faster, maintain production, and show better long-term health outcomes. The pain relief cost is typically less than the production benefit from faster recovery and reduced immunosuppression. Cultural change in cattle farming toward proactive pain management requires training, regulatory requirements, and market incentives that are all moving in a welfare-positive direction.