Goats are increasingly popular dairy animals globally, but their specific welfare needs — particularly around social housing, kidding, and kid separation — require dedicated attention from producers.
Goat dairy welfare is underregulated relative to cattle dairy despite comparable welfare challenges. Kid separation causes acute distress in both dams and kids. Disbudding without pain relief remains widespread. Goats' inquisitive, active nature means that barren housing causes significant frustration. However, their smaller size, lower production intensity, and association with small-scale farming create opportunities for higher-welfare models — particularly in artisan and organic sectors where consumer premiums support better practices.