Lameness is the single most common welfare problem in dairy cattle, affecting 20-50% of cows in commercial herds at any given time. It causes significant pain, reduces productivity, and shortens the productive lives of affected animals.
Lameness in dairy cows represents chronic, undertreated pain at industrial scale. A cow with a sole ulcer - one of the most painful hoof conditions - experiences every step as an ordeal. The behavioral suppression typical of prey animals means lame cows often continue to move and appear functional despite significant pain. The economic rationality of dairy production means that lameness is frequently tolerated until it severely impacts production rather than treated when first detected. Regular locomotion scoring, prompt treatment, improved flooring, and access to pasture all reduce lameness prevalence. The persistence of high lameness rates across the industry despite known solutions reflects the gap between welfare science and commercial practice.