Comprehensive lameness prevention programs in dairy herds combine hoof trimming, flooring, nutrition, and early detection to reduce one of the most prevalent welfare problems in intensive dairy.
Dairy lameness is simultaneously a major welfare failure and an economic burden that farmers should be motivated to address. Yet lameness prevalence remains high because prevention requires management changes and capital investment that farms defer or avoid. Systematic lameness prevention programs combining routine trimming, footbathing, appropriate flooring, and mobility scoring achieve 5-10% lameness prevalence compared to 20-25% in unmanaged herds. The welfare improvement is substantial and the return on investment positive - yet adoption remains incomplete, demonstrating that welfare improvements require more than economic arguments.