Early identification and consistent management can help reduce the impact of lameness on dairy cattle health, comfort, and performance.
Lameness can result from hoof lesions, environmental conditions, management practices, and other herd-level risk factors. Recognizing problems early and understanding the causes of lameness can help producers make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.
USU Dairy Extension provides practical and technical resources for dairy producers, consultants, veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and other professionals working to improve mobility and hoof health in dairy cattle.
Want a better understanding of lameness within your herd?
USU Dairy Extension can work with your operation to evaluate lameness, identify potential risk factors, and provide practical education focused on prevention and management.
Explore USU Extension publications and research-based resources related to dairy cattle lameness, hoof health, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat the three most common hoof lesions in dairy cattle—digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, and white line disease—to improve hoof health, reduce lameness, and support herd productivity.
Learn what lameness is, why it matters, and how to recognize it early in dairy cattle. This USU Extension fact sheet explains the causes, impacts, and practical management strategies to improve hoof health, animal welfare, and herd performance.
Identify the three most common hoof lesions in dairy cows—digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, and white line disease—and understand how they affect lameness, cow health, and herd performance. This fact sheet explains the causes, signs, prevention strategies,...
