Where are we with Pain Recognition and Management in Cattle?

Abstract

Pain is both a sensory and emotional experience, and while no absolute insight into an animal's pain experience is possible, studies of physiology, behavior and responsiveness to analgesia all indicate that animals, including cattle, are likely to sense pain in similar ways to humans.⁷ While there has been considerable research into both pain recognition and management in cattle, practical application of this knowledge on-farm has not progressed as rapidly. Failure to acknowledge and manage pain is likely to lead to slower healing, decreased productivity and compromised animal welfare. Recognition of pain is a key determinant of whether pain management is likely to be implemented. A survey examining analgesia use by UK veterinary practitioners⁴ revealed that respondents who assigned lower pain scores to a range of procedures and conditions seen in cattle were less likely to give analgesia.