The provision of pain relief with routine husbandry practices is now an expectation. Not only do producers need to consider the use of pain relief products in their animals, but also alternative husbandry procedures and management practices.
This training package outlines best practice recommendations for specific husbandry practices for sheep, and considerations for alternatives of some of these practices
A note on the cost-benefit of pain relief in sheep
While pain experienced during routine husbandry procedures may result in decreased feed intake in the short term, animals generally compensate and 2–4 weeks later there is no measurable benefit from pain relief. The benefit for producers in using pain relief during routine husbandry procedures is not only for their own peace of mind, but also in meeting consumer expectations and protecting the product they market. Where producers engage in quality assurance programs that require pain relief, specific financial benefits may accrue.