Lameness affects approximately 30% of dairy cattle in the UK, causing chronic pain and representing the most significant preventable welfare problem in the sector.
A lame cow walks with altered gait, reduced weight-bearing, and behavioural changes indicating pain. Cortisol is elevated in lame cattle. Chronic lameness causes nutritional deficit as cows spend less time at the feed face. Treatment within 7 days of identification dramatically improves recovery. Many farms identify but delay treatment for economic reasons. Lameness control programmes combining regular mobility scoring, prompt treatment, and preventive foot bathing represent the highest-impact welfare intervention in dairy cattle.