Preventing lame cows


Lame cows cost you in many ways. Reduced production, decreased fertility, increased culling rates, and the time and cost involved in treating lameness. Apart from these direct costs there are also animal welfare issues and the increased risk of putting antibiotics in the vat. One estimate puts the cost of an average lame cow at $200.

There is currently a good opportunity to lessen the risk of lame cows in your herd. If you noticed your tracks deteriorating with the rains earlier this month, then a little track maintenance now will result in fewer lame cows this season.

The two most important points with your track are to make sure that the middle of the track is raised, so water doesn't sit on it, and to remove high edges on the side of the track so this water can run off easily without pooling on the edge. Ideally the edges of the track should extend under the fence.

Most lameness in cows can be prevented by proper track maintenance and by allowing cows to walk at their own pace along the track.

If cows are left to drift at their own pace they do the following:

  • They sort themselves into groups with the  dominant cows mostly in the middle and front of the mob and the less dominant cows mostly at the back.
  • Cows avoid touching other cows.
  • They will keep their heads down, accurately picking a safe place to put their front foot.
  • The back feet will go in the same place as the front feet.
  • Cows will tend to follow other cows, often placing their feet in the same places as the one in front.


If you notice the following telltale signs, your herd will be at an increased risk of lameness problems.

  • Cows at the back of the herd begin to move from one side of the track to the other, rather than follow the cows in front of them
  • Cows will be seen pushing one another.
  • Cows will have their heads raised over the back of others.


If you notice these signs, you can make changes to lessen the chances of lame cows.

  • Move the cows more slowly.
  • Move cows in smaller mobs.
  • Improve track surface.
  • Widen the track.


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