Pigs are stoic animals that mask pain effectively, making pain recognition and appropriate veterinary intervention critical welfare challenges in commercial pig farming.
Effective pain recognition requires trained stockpeople who understand subtle behavioral and postural indicators in pigs. Pigs experiencing pain may show reduced activity, altered posture, changes in facial expression, and modified social interactions. The Pig Grimace Scale provides an objective assessment tool that improves detection compared to unaided observation. Treatment of painful conditions including lameness, wounds, and reproductive complications should be prompt and effective. The economic pressure to minimize veterinary costs in commercial pig farming creates a systemic risk of undertreating painful conditions. Farm assurance and veterinary herd health planning provide frameworks for improving pain management.