Dairy goats are the primary source of milk for much of the world's population. Their welfare needs differ from dairy cattle and require goat-specific management approaches.
Dairy goat welfare is affected by immediate kid separation, which causes distress in both mother and kid. Prolonged vocalization by both parties indicates acute suffering from the separation. Milk replacer-raised kids can thrive if managed well, but the separation process itself causes distress that could be reduced through delayed separation or allowing some maternal contact. Foot health on wet or hard substrates is a persistent challenge -- appropriate bedding and hoof care programs prevent chronic lameness. Kidding assistance and post-partum care reduce maternal mortality and suffering. Access to browse and varied forage supports behavioral wellbeing.