Farm Animals

Farmed Cattle Pain Management During Surgery

Routine surgical procedures in cattle including castration, dehorning and caesarean sections cause significant pain that remains undertreated on many farms.

Key Facts

Less than 20% of cattle in developing countries receive analgesia during castration or dehorning
Lidocaine nerve blocks are effective, affordable and simple to administer
NSAIDs like meloxicam reduce post-procedural pain and improve weight gain after procedures
Veterinary licensing requirements and drug costs are cited as barriers to pain management
Several countries now legally require analgesia for dehorning and castration

Welfare Considerations

Cattle undergoing surgical procedures without pain relief show elevated cortisol, reduced feed intake, and behavioral indicators of acute and chronic pain. The economic case for analgesia is also clear - animals that experience less pain stress post-procedure have better growth rates. Veterinary associations and retailers are increasingly making pain management a supply chain requirement.

What You Can Do

Ask farmers supplying your meat or dairy about pain management protocols
Support organizations advocating for mandatory analgesia in livestock surgery
Choose certified welfare labels that include pain management standards
Encourage your government to adopt mandatory pain relief requirements for farmed animal procedures