Do rubber rings coated with lignocaine reduce the pain associated with ring castration of lambs?

•A proof of concept study investigated lignocaine coated rings for castrating lambs.•Responses were lower in lambs with coated rings compared to conventional rings.•Responses were not reduced enough to achieve best practice levels of pain relief.•Diffusion through the skin appeared delayed.•Technique has potential for practical administration of pain relief on-farm.