DISEASE PREVENTION

Research Progress on Key Technologies of Pain Assessment and Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Therapy in Dairy Cows

  • HAN Meng ,
  • ZHANG Wenxue ,
  • YANG Xu ,
  • WANG Jing
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  • 1 Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081;
    2 Lijin County Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Dongying, Shandong 257447;
    3 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd.,Shanghai 200040

Online published: 2025-10-09

Abstract

Pain management in dairy cows is a crucial aspect of modern dairy farming for improving animal welfare and production efficiency. This article systematically reviews assessment methods for pain in dairy cows, the rational selection of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and comprehensive management strategies for common painful procedures and diseases. Studies have shown that pain can lead to abnormal behavior, increased physiological stress, and reduced production performance in dairy cows. Internationally, various behavioral indicator-based pain assessment tools (such as the Dairy Cow Pain Scale) have been developed to provide a scientific basis for pain identification. In terms of pharmacological treatment, the use of highly selective COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., meloxicam) is recommended, with strict adherence to milk withdrawal and drug withdrawal periods. For common issues such as dehorning, castration, hoof diseases,dystocia, and mastitis,multimodal analgesic protocols should be implemented, combining local anesthesia with systemic analgesics, while emphasizing the timing and standardization of procedures. International dairy quality programs such as the U.S. FARM and Canada’s proAction have made pain management a mandatory requirement. China’s dairy industry should also accelerate the implementation of relevant standards to enhance dairy cow health and farming efficiency through scientific analgesia.

Cite this article

HAN Meng , ZHANG Wenxue , YANG Xu , WANG Jing . Research Progress on Key Technologies of Pain Assessment and Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Therapy in Dairy Cows[J]. China Dairy, 2025 , 0(9) : 84 -90 . DOI: 10.12377/1671-4393.25.09.13

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