Lameness is one of the most prevalent welfare problems in dairy cattle, causing chronic pain and reducing quality of life for millions of cows worldwide.
Lameness causes persistent pain and significantly impairs a dairy cow ability to move, eat, and rest normally. Research shows that lame cows spend more time lying in painful positions and are excluded from resources by dominant herd members. Early detection through locomotion scoring and prompt treatment with hoof trimming and anti-inflammatories substantially reduces suffering and is cost-effective for producers.