The separation of kids from dairy goat does at or soon after birth causes acute distress in both animals. Understanding and improving kid separation practices is central to dairy goat welfare.
Early kid separation in dairy goats causes acute mutual distress that is unambiguous and unmistakable. Does search for missing kids, vocalise persistently and show elevated stress hormones for several days after separation. Kids that have had extended contact with their dams show more distress at separation than those separated immediately, suggesting that early separation may reduce the welfare cost for the kid while doing nothing for the doe. The welfare of male kids in dairy goat operations requires specific attention, as they cannot be raised for milk and represent a cost rather than income, creating pressure for rapid and sometimes inhumane disposal.