Lameness is one of the most painful and costly issues facing Canadian dairy farms today. It affects a cow’s ability to move comfortably, reduces dry matter intake, lowers milk production, and can impair reproductive performance. In more severe cases, lameness contributes to early culling and raises serious animal welfare concerns.
Fortunately, with proactive management and proper training, producers can reduce the risk of lameness and improve cow recovery rates.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early identification and treatment are essential. Cows that receive prompt care have a better chance of full recovery and can return to optimal production. Producers should regularly assess cows for signs of lameness using scoring tools. A gait score of 3 or higher on a 1–5 scale indicates lameness in free stall systems. For tie stalls, two or more signs on the scoring tool also suggest concern.
Tracking how many cows on the farm are lame is a strong motivator for action. Setting clear, measurable targets (e.g., keeping lameness occurrence below 10%) allows for continuous improvement and accountability.
Risk Factors and Practical Prevention
The way cows are housed and handled plays a key role in lameness risk. Here are several strategies to improve cow comfort and reduce injury:
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Increase bedding depth – Aim for at least 5 cm (2 inches) of clean, dry bedding.
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Upgrade stall conditions – Soft stall bases, wide lying spaces, and well-grooved crossover alleys help reduce slips and pressure points.
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Minimize hard or wet flooring – Cows should move comfortably in barns, holding areas, and laneways.
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Provide pasture access – Even a few hours of pasture daily, especially during daylight hours, can reduce lameness and improve gait.
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Reduce overcrowding and waiting time for milking – More rest equals less stress on hooves.
Nutrition and Lameness
Balanced diets also contribute to hoof health. Avoid feeding large amounts of concentrate in a single meal to reduce the risk of rumen acidosis and laminitis. Proper ration formulation can lower the chance of subclinical metabolic disorders that affect claw health.
Preventing and Managing Infectious Lameness
Infectious lameness, such as digital dermatitis, thrives in wet and dirty conditions. To reduce infection risks:
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Maintain leg cleanliness through dry bedding and clean alleyways.
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Footbath weekly (or more frequently) using solutions recommended by manufacturers.
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Use footbaths that are at least 3 meters long for full hoof coverage.
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Clean and refill footbaths regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Hoof Trimming: Prevention and Treatment
Routine hoof trimming is vital to maintaining proper weight distribution and preventing lesions. Aim to trim hooves at least twice a year, and ensure trimmers are trained or certified. Avoid trimming within the first month after calving when hooves are more sensitive.
When treating lame cows, therapeutic trimming should relieve pressure on the lesion. Additional treatments may include applying a hoof block or providing pain relief. Always disinfect trimming tools between cows and farms—digital dermatitis bacteria can survive for hours on equipment.
Farm-Level Responsibilities
Required on Canadian Dairy Farms:
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Regularly monitor cows for lameness and treat promptly.
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Set and act upon lameness and injury thresholds.
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Ensure hooves are trimmed and inspected to promote a normal gait.
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Provide pain control for invasive hoof procedures.
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Treat all infectious hoof conditions to prevent spread.
Recommended Practices:
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Train in gait scoring and lameness identification.
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Work with veterinarians to review lameness cases annually.
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Create comfortable resting environments.
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Monitor and record hoof trimming outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Reducing lameness is not just about treatment—it’s about prevention, early action, and ongoing attention to housing, nutrition, and cow comfort. With consistent observation, thoughtful facility design, and a commitment to animal care, Canadian dairy farms can reduce the incidence of lameness and promote healthier, more productive herds.
