The Condition and Welfare

Lameness is one of the biggest welfare problems in cattle, causing pain and discomfort. Lameness is often the result of inadequate housing and management, resulting in reduced lying times, poor hygiene and injuries. The stress of housing and feeding lactating heifers in competition with older cows predisposes them to lameness.

The Welfare Code of Recommendations for cattle, paragraph 51, states that 'Regular attention should be paid to the feet of all classes of cattle'. See also Five Freedoms.