This paper systematically reviewed the research progress and practical application of anti-inflammatory and analgesic management in dairy cattle both domestically and internationally from 2015 to 2025. Starting with the identification methods of common inflammatory conditions in dairy cows (such as mastitis, metritis, postpartum inflammation, and calf inflammation), it elaborated on subjective and objective pain assessment systems, including behavioral observation, physiological indicator detection, and the application of emerging technologies such as infrared thermography and substance P detection. In terms of management strategies, the practical application and effectiveness of methods such as NSAIDs, local anesthesia, herbal medicine therapy, physical therapy, and multimodal analgesia are highlighted. The positive impacts of anti-inflammatory and analgesic measures on dairy cow production performance (milk yield, milk composition, reproductive performance, culling rate, etc.) are analyzed. Additionally, challenges in current promotion efforts—such as economic costs, cognitive gaps, and policy limitations—are discussed. The paper proposed that future efforts should strengthen pain education, optimize policy support, and promote standardized management to achieve synergistic improvements in dairy cow health, welfare, and economic benefits.

dairy cattle  /  inflammation  /  pain management  /  NSAID  /  multimodal analgesia  /  animal welfare  /  production performance  /  assessment methods