Flooring design in cattle housing is a primary driver of lameness, which affects millions of cows and is one of the most important welfare challenges in dairy farming.
Lameness is painful, chronic and widespread. Cows on hard, wet concrete develop hoof lesions and are reluctant to walk to feed and water. Transitioning to rubber flooring, improving footbath programmes, and regular professional hoof trimming are proven welfare interventions. Floor design decisions at the building stage have welfare consequences for decades.