Farmed Pig Pain Scoring: Detecting and Addressing Suffering on Farm

Systematic pain scoring in pig farms allows identification and treatment of individuals in pain, and training farm staff to recognize pain is one of the most impactful welfare interventions available.

Key Facts

Pigs are stoic animals that mask pain behavior, making detection difficult without training
The Pig Grimace Scale enables assessment of facial expressions associated with acute pain
Lameness affects significant proportions of sows in intensive systems and is often undertreated
Farm staff who receive pain recognition training intervene earlier and more consistently
NSAID administration is effective for pig pain but requires a valid vet-client relationship
Welfare outcome monitoring including pain scoring is increasingly required by certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

Pain detection in farmed pigs is a frontline welfare challenge. Pigs that mask pain continue to be overlooked and undertreated unless farm staff are specifically trained in recognition. The Pig Grimace Scale — assessing ear position, orbital tightening, snout shape, and cheek tension — provides a validated tool that trained observers can use to identify painful individuals. Early identification and treatment with appropriate analgesics reduces the duration of suffering. Building pain recognition and response into routine farm management protocols, supported by standing veterinary prescriptions for NSAID treatment, operationalizes welfare concern into daily practice.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes that require pain recognition training for all farm staff
Advocate for standing NSAID prescriptions to allow prompt pain treatment on pig farms
Donate to welfare science organizations developing and validating species-specific pain scales
Learn about the Pig Grimace Scale as an example of evidence-based welfare assessment tools