UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy early review highlights on-farm progress
24th September 2025
An early-stage review of the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy 2023–2028 has highlighted reduced lameness, improved udder health, and greater cow comfort as key outcomes.
Launched two years ago by Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) with the support of NFU, AHDB and 19 industry signatories, the latest data and evidence from the strategy shows advancements across the six welfare goals: healthy feet; thriving cows; healthy udders; comfortable cows; appropriately nourished cows; and positive welfare.
RH&W chairman Gwyn Jones said: “Two years ago, we launched this critical strategy pathway which detailed six ambitious welfare goals, all aimed at improving the welfare of the national dairy herd and maintaining the nation’s status as a global leader in dairy cattle welfare.
“The review and progress report shows key milestones achieved so far and how farmers, vets, researchers, government bodies and stakeholders throughout the entire dairy supply chain are working together to continue moving in the right direction.”
Significant levels of improvement noticed
A key achievement during this period has been the launch of the GB Dairy Cow Lameness Manifesto in January 2025. Now backed by over 25 signatories across industry, the manifesto details 21 action points across four strategies to reduce lameness prevalence to less than 5% in 95% of British dairy herds by 2044.
Dr Alison Russell, animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB, added: “With industry input, LANTRA has accredited two new levels of foot trimming award focused on urgent treatment and routine prevention, with 362 successful course completions by farmers since 2024.
“We’ve also seen the expansion of the Register of Mobility Scorers, which now boasts 860 accredited scorers, and the development of the AHDB’s Healthy Feet Programme, further demonstrating the industry’s commitment to advancing skill-based, welfare improvements at farm-level with a particular focus on lameness.”
Farmer Richard Twose, from the Carmarthenshire/Pembrokeshire border, has seen significant levels of improvement in his herd of 400 pedigree Holsteins and 200-plus followers by focusing on improving mobility in recent years with the implementation of the Healthy Feet Programme.
“A team effort and zero tolerance towards lameness, focused attention to detail, plus simple protocols and procedures have together made a great difference to overall herd foot health.
“We are seeing 30% less lameness identified through mobility scoring, with massive reductions in digital dermatitis, sole ulcers and white line disease playing a key part in this,” he said.
Positive welfare advancements
The report highlights improvements in udder health, with reduced somatic cell counts and an improving mastitis picture, while cow comfort also took a step forward, as evidenced by less hair loss and fewer lesions and swellings.
There were also positive welfare advancements, with an increased focus on providing opportunities for cows to exhibit natural behaviours, such as access to brushes and outdoor areas.
Mr Jones continued: “There is much to celebrate. Yes, economic and environmental pressures on farmers remain and continue to impact welfare outcomes, but there is already evidence to show improvement, and goals are achievable.
“Innovation and technology also present exciting opportunities for the future. These advances, alongside continued dedication and collaboration, can enable us to elevate welfare standards and improve farm efficiency.”
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