Lameness affects up to 30% of UK dairy cows at any time, causing chronic pain, reduced milk production, and early culling — making it both a welfare priority and an economic one.
A lame cow walks with altered gait to avoid bearing weight on painful hooves. Chronic lameness causes weight loss, reduced feed intake, and secondary metabolic problems. The arching spine and reluctant movement of lame cows are clear indicators of pain experienced for weeks to months before culling. Most lameness is preventable with good housing and foot care.