Evidence-based pain management for cattle has advanced significantly, with meloxicam and other NSAIDs now recognised as essential welfare tools for routine procedures.
Cattle undergoing castration, dehorning, calving assistance and foot surgery without analgesia experience preventable pain for hours to days. Evidence from behaviour and cortisol studies demonstrates that NSAID administration reduces pain indicators substantially. Ketoprofen, flunixin and meloxicam are all licenced for specific indications. The barrier to implementation is primarily cost, awareness and habit rather than drug availability. Farm health plans should specify analgesia for all painful procedures as standard.