Lameness is the most significant welfare problem in UK dairy cows, affecting up to 30% of cows in some herds. Prevention and early treatment are both welfare and economic priorities.
Dairy cow lameness welfare is well-characterised: lame cows spend more time lying down, eat less, show reduced reproductive performance, and display facial expressions and behavioural patterns consistent with pain. The welfare cost is substantial and chronic - a lame cow may suffer for weeks before treatment is initiated. The combination of systematic locomotion scoring, proactive foot trimming, NSAID treatment for LS3+ cows, track and housing improvements, and digital dermatitis vaccination creates a comprehensive welfare improvement program that also reduces culling rates and improves productivity.