Dairy goats are often better treated than dairy cows, but they still face significant welfare challenges in intensive systems.
Intensive dairy goat systems keep animals in barren environments without outdoor access, preventing natural ranging, foraging, and social behavior. Disbudding removes horn buds from young kids, causing significant pain. Like dairy cows, goats are separated from kids at birth. Higher-welfare systems provide outdoor access, enrichment, and pain management for procedures.