Lameness is one of the most prevalent welfare problems in dairy cattle, affecting millions of cows globally and causing chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life.
Lame cows show clear signs of pain including reluctance to move, arched backs, and reduced feeding time. Despite being easily observed, lameness is frequently undertreated on commercial farms due to labor costs and delayed detection. Pain assessment using validated locomotion scoring is essential but inconsistently applied. High-yielding modern dairy breeds have been selected for milk production in ways that increase metabolic stress and lameness risk. Hoof trimming programs, appropriate flooring, and prompt treatment are known to reduce suffering but require investment many producers resist.