Lameness is one of the most common and painful conditions in farm animals, yet it receives inadequate preventive attention in many production systems.
Lameness causes chronic pain that significantly impairs the welfare of affected animals over weeks or months. Cows with lameness show reduced time at the feed face, increased time lying, and lower milk production — all indicators of significant pain and welfare deficit. The high prevalence of lameness in dairy systems indicates systematic welfare failure: conditions that cause this level of preventable pain are not acceptable. Regular hoof trimming, appropriate flooring, and prompt treatment of affected animals can dramatically reduce lameness prevalence.