Lameness affects 15 to 30 percent of dairy cows in many herds and is one of the most significant and costly welfare problems in modern dairy production.
Lameness causes significant, often chronic pain. Affected cows spend less time eating and socializing and more time lying down to relieve pain. Many lame cows are not promptly identified or treated, meaning they may suffer for weeks. Good hoof health programs including regular trimming, cow tracks, rubber flooring, and prompt treatment cut lameness prevalence dramatically.