Lameness affects over 20% of dairy cows and is the third most important welfare problem in the industry after mastitis and reproductive disease. Prevention programs have major welfare impact.
Dairy cow lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in the industry by both prevalence and severity. A cow scoring 3+ on lameness mobility scales is clearly in pain - arched back, shortened stride, reluctance to bear weight. Cows experiencing lameness have measurably elevated pain biomarkers and altered behavior consistent with chronic pain states. The high prevalence - 25-30% at any given time in many systems - means hundreds of millions of individual welfare incidents annually in global dairy production. The majority are preventable or rapidly treatable if identified early: digital dermatitis responds well to treatment but worsens rapidly if untreated. Regular mobility scoring, prompt treatment, appropriate hoof care facilities, and rubber flooring investment represent a combination of interventions that substantially reduces this welfare burden.