Hoof health is absolutely essential to whole-body well being. The state of a cow's feet impacts every area and every moment of their life.
If hooves are not trimmed regularly and are overgrown, they can crack or break off, causing pain and discomfort and increasing risk of infection.
The natural way for cow's hooves to be worn down is by walking. This would require a herd management model that moves cows to and from pasture on surfaces that effectively wear down their hooves. If cows are left out in the field during summer and spend half the year contained in one area during winter, this should be taken into account.
Having access to professional examinations and regularly scheduled hoof maintenance is key to cow comfort and overall health. In an off-grid and isolated area, having locals with hoofcare know-how would be very beneficial, especially for emergencies.
Official Recommendation/Regulation: "Preventative hoof trimming (aiming to maintain correct weight bearing and minimize and prevent lesion development) is a key component of preventing lameness. Examine hooves regularly and trim at least twice a year"
Preventative hoof trimming minimize future problems