Farm Animals

Pig Pain Recognition and Assessment Tools

Developing and validating tools to identify pain in pigs is essential for timely treatment and improved welfare outcomes on farm.

Key Facts

The Porcine Grimace Scale uses facial expressions to assess pain intensity
Acute pain signs include muscle tension, orbital tightening, and altered ear posture
Lameness scoring systems identify locomotion impairments indicating foot pain
Farmers trained in pain recognition provide more timely treatment
Pain scoring is now incorporated into some welfare assessment schemes

Welfare Considerations

Pigs cannot verbalise pain, making validated assessment tools essential. Untreated pain from injury, disease, or procedures causes significant suffering. Training farm staff in pain recognition and empowering prompt treatment is a critical welfare advance.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes that include pain assessment training
Advocate for mandatory pain management protocols in pig production systems
Learn about pig pain signs to help identify welfare concerns