Pain recognition in farm animals by farmers and veterinarians remains a significant welfare bottleneck, with training programmes and validated assessment tools improving detection and treatment.
Pain recognition is the gateway to pain treatment - animals whose pain is not recognised do not receive analgesia. The welfare gap between expert assessment and typical farmer recognition means millions of animals live with unrecognised pain that could be treated. Training programmes that teach farmers to use validated mobility scoring, facial grimace scales and behavioural indicators improve recognition and subsequently treatment rates. The welfare case for making pain assessment training mandatory for livestock keepers is strong - it is a low-cost intervention with immediate, measurable welfare benefits. Veterinary support for pain management prescription should accompany training so that recognised pain can be promptly treated.