Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Pain Recognition and Analgesia in Veterinary Practice

Improving pain recognition and analgesia use in pigs is a critical welfare priority in both veterinary practice and farm management.

Key Facts

Pigs mask pain behaviour as a prey species, making recognition challenging
Validated pain assessment tools for pigs include grimace scales and composite measures
Under-treatment of pain after common procedures like castration and tail docking is widespread
NSAIDs are effective analgesics for pigs but are underused due to cost and administration practicalities
Stockmanship training in pain recognition improves welfare outcomes at farm level

Welfare Considerations

Pig pain is systematically underrecognised and undertreated in commercial farming contexts. The combination of prey species stoicism and production system pressures means many pigs experience prolonged pain that could be addressed. Improving veterinary education on pig pain assessment and making effective analgesia accessible and economically viable are essential welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Support veterinary education initiatives on pig pain recognition and treatment
Advocate for routine analgesia provision after painful procedures as a farm assurance standard
Learn about pig pain assessment tools and their role in improving welfare