Livestock

Farmed Cattle Lameness Prevention and Treatment

Lameness is one of the most prevalent and painful conditions in dairy and beef cattle.

Key Facts

25-40% of dairy cows experience lameness each year
Lame cows show reduced milk production, fertility, and lifespan
Digital dermatitis and white line disease are the most common causes
Foot trimming, foot baths, and flooring design are key prevention measures

Welfare Considerations

Lame cattle experience chronic pain that affects every aspect of their lives — they eat less, socialise less, and are more vulnerable to further disease. The high prevalence of lameness in intensive systems represents a systemic welfare failure. Effective prevention through flooring, housing, and hoof care protocols can substantially reduce the burden of pain.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products from farms with low lameness scores
Advocate for mandatory lameness monitoring and reporting
Support research into lameness-reducing flooring and housing
Back campaigns for stricter lameness standards in assurance schemes