Livestock

Goat Welfare in Dairy and Meat Production

Dairy and meat goats are kept in significant numbers globally, yet welfare standards and research lag behind those for cattle and pigs.

Key Facts

The global goat population exceeds 1 billion animals
Goats are highly social, active, and motivated to climb and explore
Disbudding of kids without anaesthetic is widely practised and painful
Milk goats often spend entire lives indoors without access to outdoor areas
Cashmere and angora production involves shearing and sometimes mulesing

Welfare Considerations

Goats are intelligent animals with strong social bonds and high motivation for exploration and vertical movement. Intensive indoor systems without enrichment or outdoor access prevent expression of these behaviours. Disbudding with adequate pain relief and improved housing standards are immediate priorities for goat welfare improvement globally.

What You Can Do

Ask about disbudding practices when purchasing goat dairy products
Support farms that provide outdoor access and enrichment for goats
Choose goat dairy products with animal welfare certification
Advocate for pain relief requirements in disbudding across all regions
Reduce consumption of products where welfare standards cannot be verified