Farmed Pig Pain Assessment Advances

Development of validated pig pain assessment tools is enabling more systematic pain recognition and treatment on farms, improving welfare through earlier intervention.

Key Facts

The Pig Grimace Scale allows assessment of facial expressions associated with pain in pigs
Pain from castration, tail docking, and disease causes measurable facial expression changes
Validated pain scales enable more objective treatment decisions on farms
Analgesic use in pigs is increasing as pain assessment tools improve recognition
Smartphone apps incorporating pain assessment tools are in development for farm use

Welfare Considerations

Pain assessment in farm animals has historically relied on observer experience and species knowledge rather than validated systematic tools. The development of species-specific grimace scales and behavioural pain indicators enables more consistent recognition of pain and more objective treatment decisions. When farmers and stockpersons can reliably identify pain, the welfare case for analgesia becomes clearer and treatment rates improve. This is welfare science translating directly into better outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support farms using validated pain assessment in their health management
Advocate for pain assessment training to be included in farm qualifications
Engage with farm vets about implementing pain assessment protocols
Support development of practical pain assessment tools for farm use
Choose products from certified farms with documented pain management standards