Review of Bovine Lameness Management Programs at Commercial Dairy Farms in Ogun State

Lameness is a leading cause of production loss and welfare concern in commercial dairy cattle globally, and its systematic management through structured programs is essential to herd productivity and profitability. This study reviews the structure, implementation, and effectiveness of bovine lameness management programs at commercial dairy farms in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, between January and December 2023. Seven commercial dairy farms with more than 50 lactating cows each were assessed through a combination of herd health record review, locomotion scoring of 340 cows, foot examination, farm management interviews, and evaluation of existing veterinary service contracts. Herd-level lameness prevalence averaged 18.4%, with digital dermatitis, white line disease, and sole ulcers being the most prevalent conditions. Only two of seven farms had a documented written lameness control program. Foot trimming was performed by trained hoof trimmers at only one farm. Veterinary involvement in routine foot health management was limited to acute lameness cases at 71% of farms. The study identified inadequate standing surface management, overcrowding, and delayed treatment initiation as primary herd-level risk factors. Farms with structured lameness programs demonstrated lameness prevalence rates 34% lower than unstructured farms. Recommendations include the adoption of five-point locomotion scoring systems, routine foot bathing, and integration of preventive hoof health management into dairy farm veterinary service agreements across South Western Nigerian commercial dairy enterprises. Keywords: bovine lameness, dairy cattle, hoof health, Ogun State, lameness management.