Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Cattle Lameness Scoring and Treatment

Lameness in cattle is a major welfare and economic problem, with regular locomotion scoring enabling early intervention.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 25-30% of dairy cows in the UK at any given time
The AHDB locomotion scoring system (1-5) identifies lame cows at scores of 3+
Early treatment of lame cows costs significantly less and achieves better welfare outcomes
Digital dermatitis (Mortellaro's disease) is the most common cause of dairy cow lameness
Preventive foot bathing, cubicle design and body condition management reduce lameness incidence

Welfare Considerations

Lameness causes chronic pain that reduces activity, social participation and feed intake in affected cows. It is the third most important welfare and economic disease in UK dairy. Early detection through regular locomotion scoring enables prompt treatment before lameness becomes severe and chronic.

What You Can Do

Support dairy farms with regular locomotion scoring programmes
Advocate for lameness scoring as a mandatory component of dairy certification
Ask dairy suppliers about their lameness incidence data and treatment protocols
Support research into preventive approaches that reduce lameness at farm level