Impact of lameness on the productivity of dairy cattle farms: A systematic review

Lameness is a prevalent condition in dairy cattle that compromises mobility, alters behavior, disrupts feeding patterns, and impairs physiological functions. It has important implications for the three main determinants of dairy farm profitability: milk production, reproductive performance, and longevity. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the impact of lameness on dairy farms following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies were screened and evaluated for relevance and methodological quality. Across studies, lameness was consistently associated with reduced milk yield, with reported losses ranging from 183 to 1289 kg per lactation, depending on severity and timing, and being more pronounced in herds using automated milking systems. Effects on milk quality traits were generally minor, although some studies reported increased somatic cell counts, potentially linked to greater mastitis risk. Reproductive performance was adversely affected, with lame cows exhibiting delated resumption of ovarian cyclicity, reduced estrus expression, lower conception rates, and increased embryonic loss. Consequently, extended calving intervals and more inseminations per pregnancy were observed, although variability existed among studies. Lastly, longevity was markedly compromised, as lame cows had 1.5-2 times greater risk of culling, accounting for up to 27.6% of total culling cases. The evidence indicates that lameness negatively impacts productivity, reproductive performance, and survival in dairy systems. Enhanced prevention strategies, standardized assessment methods, and tailored economic evaluation tools are essential to mitigate losses and enhance sustainability of dairy production.