[Behavior of piglets during castration with and without local anesthesia]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare Science
• Surgical Procedures

Context:

• Surgical castration of piglets is common practice, often performed without anesthesia per German welfare regulations.
• Concerns exist regarding potential pain and distress experienced by piglets during this procedure.
• Assessing pain responses is crucial for improving animal welfare standards in livestock farming.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia in mitigating pain responses during piglet castration.
• To compare the effects of different local anesthetic application methods on piglet behavior.
• To contribute data for the welfare assessment of surgical castration in young pigs.

Summary:

• Thirty-six piglets (10-14 days old) underwent castration with or without local anesthesia (Lidocaine 2%).
• Anesthesia was administered via intratesticular injection or combined intratesticular/subcutaneous infiltration.
• Local anesthesia significantly reduced resistance movements during castration, particularly during spermatic cord cutting (P < 0.05).

Impact:

• Findings suggest that local anesthesia can effectively reduce pain and improve the welfare of piglets during castration.
• The study provides evidence-based recommendations for pain management in swine husbandry.
• Results can inform policy and practice regarding anesthesia requirements for surgical procedures in farm animals.