Dairy goat welfare shares challenges with dairy cattle but in smaller operations with different dynamics.
Dairy goats face similar welfare challenges to dairy cattle including neonatal separation, high production demands, and inadequate pain management. Kid separation immediately after birth causes acute distress in both does and kids. Dehorning is performed without analgesia in most operations. The artisanal dairy market for goat products creates opportunities to promote welfare standards that mainstream dairy has been slow to adopt.