Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in dairy cattle, affecting between 20-40% of dairy cows in many UK herds at any point in time, causing chronic pain and reduced longevity.
Lame cows experience chronic pain that affects virtually every aspect of their behaviour and physiology. They have difficulty competing for food and water, reducing their body condition. Social stress increases as lame animals struggle to maintain normal herd interactions. Pain impairs feeding behaviour, often leading to a negative energy balance with further health consequences. Many lame animals are not identified and treated promptly, extending the period of suffering.