By Jamie Martin
Scientists are developing an experimental microneedle patch to improve pain management in farm animals. The technology aims to deliver medicine slowly through the skin, reducing the need for repeated injections and improving overall animal welfare.
“Could we determine a method by which we could provide some analgesic therapy to help control pain in livestock species and improve animal welfare all at the same time?” said Powell, a researcher with the Division of Agriculture's Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
The idea began with a simple question: could livestock receive continuous pain relief using a single application? Initial research tested this concept in cattle, but results were not strong enough. Researchers then shifted the study to pigs and selected different pain relief medicines that dissolve more easily.
The patches were tested to help reduce pain after routine livestock procedures. Each small patch contains hundreds of tiny microneedles that reach only the upper skin layer, where there are fewer pain receptors. The needles dissolve over time, allowing medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually. The patch materials are biodegradable and break down safely.
While drug levels found in pigs were lower than needed for full pain control, the study confirmed that the delivery method works. The location of the patch made a difference, with better results seen when patches were applied to the neck instead of the ear. This finding highlights the importance of choosing the right application site.
No harmful reactions were seen on the animals’ skin, showing the method is safe and comfortable. Researchers describe the study as an important proof of concept that provides useful direction for future improvements.
The team continues to refine the technology by adjusting materials, drug doses, and placement. Researchers are also exploring additional uses, including painless animal identification through microneedle based tattoos. Although more work is needed, this research marks a meaningful step toward better pain management solutions in livestock farming.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: National