Lameness is one of the most prevalent and economically significant welfare problems in dairy cattle, and prevention through flooring, hoof care, and monitoring is highly effective.
Cattle lameness represents one of the most significant ongoing welfare failures in dairy farming globally. The high prevalence reflects systemic problems with floor design, cow traffic, hoof care frequency, and early detection protocols. Rubber flooring in cow traffic areas and cubicle alleys dramatically reduces lameness incidence by providing cushioning and reducing slipping. Locomotion scoring programs that regularly assess all cows allow early detection and treatment before lameness becomes severe. Farms with proactive lameness prevention programs achieve prevalence rates below 5%, demonstrating that the current 20-25% norm is not inevitable.