The Five-Point Lameness Plan: A Welfare Standard for Dairy Farms

The Five-Point Lameness Plan provides a structured framework for reducing lameness prevalence in dairy herds. Implementation has been shown to halve lameness rates in participating farms.

Key Facts

The Five-Point Plan was developed by the University of Bristol and AHDB
It covers: locomotion scoring, prompt treatment, foot bathing, mobility management, and data recording
Farms implementing all five points typically halve lameness prevalence within 2 years
Lameness target for UK dairy herds is under 5% prevalence — the UK average exceeds 25%
Each percentage point reduction in lameness prevalence saves approximately 3,000 GBP per 100 cows

Welfare Considerations

The Five-Point Lameness Plan is one of the most clearly evidence-based welfare interventions available to dairy farmers. Its structured approach converts welfare aspiration into operational management. The economic case is equally compelling — lameness costs UK dairy farms over 130 million GBP annually in treatment, reduced production and early culling. Farms that implement the plan achieve welfare improvements that are directly measurable in reduced animal suffering and improved cow longevity.

What You Can Do

Support farm vet-client implementation of the AHDB Five-Point Lameness Plan
Choose dairy products from farms participating in lameness reduction programmes
Advocate for the Five-Point Plan as a mandatory component of dairy welfare certification
Back AHDB DairyCo resources on lameness prevention and treatment
Engage with your local agriculture college on lameness plan training for students