Male kids in dairy goat production have historically been killed at birth or sold for low-value uses due to limited economic options. Improving their welfare requires developing viable markets and humane management.
Male dairy goat kids that are killed at birth experience welfare harm that is entirely determined by the killing method used. CO2 killing can cause prolonged distress if gas concentration or exposure time is inadequate. Blunt force trauma, while rapid when done correctly, is distressing for handlers and risks inadequate application. The development of viable markets for male kid meat provides a welfare improvement by giving male kids a life of some duration before slaughter, but requires ensuring that this life is of adequate quality. Kids raised for slaughter must have appropriate social housing, nutrition and transport management for their age and developmental needs.