Farm Animals

Goat Meat Production Welfare

Goat meat production is rapidly expanding globally with welfare standards lagging behind this growth.

Key Facts

Goats are the most widely consumed red meat globally by population
Most goat production occurs in extensive systems in developing countries
Intensive goat production is growing in high-income countries with minimal welfare standards
Long-distance live export of goats raises significant welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

Goat meat production exists in a welfare regulatory vacuum in most countries. Unlike cattle and pigs, goats are rarely covered by species-specific welfare regulations. Their adaptability to extensive systems can mask welfare problems in intensive operations. Long-distance live export of goats subjects them to welfare harms similar to those documented for cattle.

What You Can Do

Advocate for inclusion of goats in species-specific livestock welfare regulations
Support development of goat welfare assessment protocols
Choose goat products from local, extensively-managed systems when possible
Reduce goat meat consumption from intensive and long-transport supply chains