Management of pain in production animals

Abstract

The measurement and evaluation of animal welfare and pain is difficult and ultimately subjective. However, we are ethically bound to make our best assessment and reduce suffering. Evaluation can be made on the basis of chemical changes, behaviour, performance or extrapolation, and preferably a combination of these. Since pain in production animals cannot be totally eliminated, it has to be minimised by management, which must take into account the profitability and practicality of proposed actions and address all forms of pain and distress. This implies that behavioural, feeding, management and breeding aspects should also receive attention. Acts as well as omissions have to be assessed. Considerations in assessing actions or omissions include intention, alternatives, predictability, control measures, awareness, expertise, socio-economic situation and necessity. To control pain in production animals we must know the following: (a) what is meant by pain and how it arises, (b) the farming system, (c) the animal and its needs, (d) interventions, (e) alternatives available, (f) production implications of advice, (g) how to motivate farmers, (h) how to arrange proper training, (i) setting of minimum requirements, and (j) monitoring of performance. Farmer support is essential for success. This should be achieved by persuasion arising from awareness—a positive interaction between specialists, veterinarians, farmers and staff is needed. Legal requirements and prohibitions should be a backup and not the central driving force. Minimising pain arising from any farm operation or procedure requires that the following are in place: (a) it is done for the right reasons, (b) it is done by the best method, (c) the correct equipment is used, (d) it is done at the right time, (e) it is done to the right class of animal, (f) correct follow-up is carried out, and (g) the persons are properly trained. The best way to entrench these principles is to make it a legal and ethical requirement that only persons who have the required knowledge, skill and equipment should be allowed to undertake farm operations and procedures.