Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in dairy cattle. It causes chronic pain, reduces milk production, and shortens productive life. Prevention is more effective than treatment.
Lameness in dairy cattle is a chronic pain condition affecting a large proportion of the global dairy herd. The suffering involved is significant and well-documented. Prevention through flooring improvements, body condition management, hoof trimming programs, and prompt treatment represents one of the highest-impact welfare interventions available in dairy production.