Goats and sheep have distinct behavioural and physiological needs requiring species-specific management approaches rather than treating them identically.
Goat and sheep welfare failures often stem from managing these species as interchangeable when they have significantly different needs. Goats housed in systems designed for sheep without climbing and browsing opportunities show higher rates of boredom behaviour and stereotypies. Sheep placed in intensively managed systems that disrupt their strong flocking bonds experience stress responses absent in animals where social stability is maintained. Recognising species-specific welfare needs and providing appropriate species-specific management significantly improves welfare outcomes for each species.