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Changes in farming practices and the risk of lameness in dairy cows

Changes in dairy cow farming systems have introduced new challenges for animals. Reduced grazing time and the use of buildings with concrete floors and cubicles have affected the cows' movement and lying conditions.

These factors can contribute to the onset of lameness within herds. Lameness in dairy cows significantly impacts their welfare and comfort. It alters their feeding and drinking behavior, reduces their zootechnical performance, and leads to a measurable decline in milk production.

The influence of lameness on milk production performance

A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom and published in the Journal of Dairy Science (Afonso J. S. et al., Estimating the effect of hoof health on milk yield in British dairy cattle, 2025) assessed the influence of lameness on milk production performance.

The results indicate:

  • an average daily milk yield decrease of 1.47 kg in lame cows
  • up to 2.05 kg per day for persistent or severe lameness

Better management of posture and the breeding environment appears to be a key way to improve farm operations sustainably.

Preventing lameness through improved litter hygiene

Dietaxion has been marketing its Hygiene range, based on Cobiotex Technology, for over 20 years. This consists of bacterial solutions for use in dairy cows’ sleeping areas.
These products form part of an approach to managing the microbial balance of bedding by improving positive bacteria in the building environment.

Certain foot disorders commonly found in livestock farming, such as digital dermatitis (also known as Mortellaro‘s disease), thrush, and fork rot, are associated with microbial imbalances. Improving hygiene conditions in cubicles is one way to reduce risk factors.

 

Drawing on its experience in the field and feedback from farmers, Dietaxion has produced a white paper on lameness in dairy farming, as well as a support protocol based on using its product range.

Request white paper

Lameness: results of field monitoring of a protocol applied in dairy farming

To evaluate the benefits of the protocol in a real farming context, Dietaxion monitored a herd of 120 dairy cows for 12 months.

The condition of the hooves was assessed based on regular inspections carried out by independent professional hoof trimmers. The cubicles were treated according to the established protocol using the product Cobiotex 410.

Observations after 12 months of use

Observations made at the end of the monitoring period show:

  • a decrease in the number of bandages
  • a decrease in the number of stage 2 lesions, which are generally considered to be the most uncomfortable for animals
  • a reduction in the total number of lesions observed on the legs

These results confirm the positive feedback received in the field and demonstrate the value of an integrated, preventive approach to limiting lameness in dairy farming.

A comprehensive approach to dairy herd management and health

The Cobiotex range forms part of this approach, complementing measures such as soil maintenance, functional hoof trimming, cubicle hygiene management, and regular animal observation.

In this context, Dietaxion’s solutions act as a valuable support tool, helping to control the microbial balance of bedding and to manage environmental factors that cause foot disorders.

Solutions to effectively prevent lameness