Lameness is the most costly and welfare-significant health problem in dairy cattle, with strong economic incentives for prevention and early treatment.
Dairy cow lameness represents both significant animal suffering and major economic cost, creating an unusual alignment between welfare and economic incentives for prevention and early treatment. Cows with lameness experience chronic pain that affects their ability to compete for resources, maintain body condition, and reproduce successfully. Proactive lameness prevention programs that invest in housing, nutrition, and regular foot care reduce both suffering and economic losses.