Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Pain Recognition and Assessment Tools

Accurate pain recognition in pigs is fundamental to welfare but historically challenging - new assessment tools are improving this critical capability.

Key Facts

The Piglet Grimace Scale allows rapid assessment of neonatal pain from facial expressions
Postural changes, vocalizations, and reduced activity signal pain in pigs at all ages
Pain from disease, injury, and routine procedures is frequently underestimated in pigs
Training stockpeople to recognize pain signs is as important as having the tools
Validated pain assessment tools are becoming more widely adopted in practice

Welfare Considerations

Pain that goes unrecognized is pain that goes untreated. Improving stockperson ability to identify and respond to pain in pigs is one of the most direct welfare improvements achievable on commercial farms.

What You Can Do

Support pain assessment training programs for pig farm workers
Advocate for pain assessment requirements in pig welfare certification schemes
Choose pork from farms with documented pain management protocols