Lameness affects an estimated 25-30% of UK dairy cows at any one time and is the most significant welfare problem in the dairy sector, causing chronic pain, reduced production and early culling.
Lameness causes chronic pain that affects every aspect of dairy cow welfare, from feeding behaviour and social interaction to reproductive performance and longevity. Despite being the most significant welfare problem in the sector, lameness prevalence has not declined markedly in 20 years. Prevention through nutrition, housing design and hoof care provides better welfare and economic outcomes than reactive treatment.