Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at calving

Abstract

In recent years farmers, veterinary surgeons, and consumers have all shown increasing awareness of pain in cattle (and its associated negative welfare impacts), and accordingly there is increased focus on the use of analgesia following painful procedures, such as disbudding and castration. Calving is a necessary event for cows and their calves, and is painful; however, pain-relief is not routinely provided, particularly to calves. This article reviews the literature on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage around calving to aid practitioners in making evidence-based decisions regarding management of calving-related pain in cows and calves.