Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: Pain Management Protocols

Formalised pain management protocols for pigs are improving welfare by ensuring appropriate analgesia is provided for routine painful procedures and disease treatment.

Key Facts

NSAIDs including meloxicam are effective in pigs and are increasingly used for routine procedures
Pain management protocols specifying drug, dose, and timing for specific procedures reduce variation in practice
Stockperson training in pain recognition enables more timely intervention for spontaneous painful conditions
Analgesic use in pig production is increasing in countries with higher welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Formalised pain management is a welfare standard that is unevenly implemented across pig production systems globally. Clear protocols that specify appropriate analgesia for identifiable painful situations - procedures, injuries, and diseases - reduce the period of unmanaged pain and demonstrate welfare commitment.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers demonstrating formalised pain management protocols
Advocate for pain management requirements to be explicit in pig welfare certification standards
Engage with veterinary organisations developing pain management guidelines for pig practice