Lameness affects 20-30% of dairy cows at any one time and is one of the most significant and most treatable welfare problems in agriculture.
Lameness represents one of the most significant and most preventable welfare problems in dairy farming. Lame cows show behavioral signs of chronic pain - reduced feeding time, reluctance to move, altered gait and posture. They lose body condition, produce less milk, and are more likely to develop secondary problems. Yet lameness is often under-diagnosed because cows continue functioning despite significant pain. Regular locomotion scoring programs that identify early lameness, prompt treatment, and preventive measures including footbathing, foot trimming, and rubber flooring can dramatically reduce both prevalence and suffering.