Dairy goat production is growing globally. Welfare standards in the sector lag behind dairy cattle, and specific health and management challenges deserve greater attention.
Dairy goat welfare has received less research and regulatory attention than dairy cattle despite comparable welfare concerns. Kid separation at birth causes acute distress; disease management challenges including CAE require herd health protocols; and the behavioural needs of goats — foraging, climbing, social interaction — are frequently unmet in intensive dairy systems. Pain management for disbudding is legally required in the EU but compliance varies. As the sector grows, establishing evidence-based welfare standards specific to dairy goats is increasingly important. Consumer interest in goat dairy products creates an opportunity to drive welfare improvement through purchasing choices.