Goat dairy is growing in popularity as an alternative to cow milk, but goat welfare standards vary widely. Understanding the key welfare challenges helps consumers make informed choices.
Goats are inquisitive, agile, and highly social animals whose welfare needs are often underestimated. Like dairy cows, dairy goats undergo repeated pregnancies and are separated from their kids. The pain of disbudding, performed in most commercial operations, is often inadequately managed. Indoor housing without adequate enrichment leads to stereotypic behaviours. The growing consumer interest in goat dairy products creates an opportunity to drive welfare improvements — but only if buyers demand meaningful standards rather than accepting welfare claims at face value.