Current attitudes of veterinarians and producers regarding the use of local and systemic analgesia in beef and dairy cattle in the United States

OBJECTIVE To survey cattle producers and veterinarians about the use of analgesia on US cattle operations. SAMPLE 1,187 members of the following database, electronic mailing lists, and social media groups: FarmProgress master file, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Academy of Veterinary Consultants, National Milk Producers Federation Farm Evaluators, Dairy Moms Facebook group, and Dairy Girl Network Facebook group. PROCEDURES An online survey was developed to gather information about the frequency of local and systemic analgesia use for common painful procedures and diseases in cattle < 2, 2 to 12, and > 12 months old. Respondents also rated their extent of agreement with each of 10 statements related to pain management in cattle. The survey was available from June 11 to August 10, 2018. Descriptive data were generated. Logistic regression was used for comparisons among cattle age groups and respondents on the basis of their industry role. RESULTS In general, frequency of analgesia use increased as cattle age increased, regardless of the procedure or disease. The odds of analgesia use were lower for men, compared with women, and greater for veterinarians, compared with producers. Many respondents indicated they were cognizant of the benefits of analgesia use in cattle but perceived federal regulations and drug costs as impediments to the implementation of pain mitigation protocols on cattle operations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results provided insight into current perceptions and use of analgesia in cattle, which can be used to guide implementation of pain mitigation protocols on US beef and dairy cattle operations.

Automated summary

The study found that the frequency of analgesia use increased with the age of cattle, regardless of the procedure or disease. Men had lower odds of analgesia use compared to women, and veterinarians had greater odds compared to producers. Many respondents were aware of the benefits of analgesia use in cattle but perceived federal regulations and drug costs as obstacles to implementing pain mitigation protocols on cattle operations.