Dairy goat farming is growing globally. Understanding the specific welfare needs of goats helps producers and consumers support higher welfare outcomes.
Dairy goats have specific welfare needs that differ from dairy cattle and require tailored management approaches. Their high curiosity and intelligence means environmental complexity is essential to prevent chronic boredom and frustration. The standard practices of early kid separation and disbudding without pain relief cause significant suffering that higher welfare alternatives can reduce or eliminate. Herd health management including anthelmintic rotation and hoof care programmes are critical for maintaining physical welfare across the production life. Progressive dairy goat producers are adopting extended suckling periods and mandatory analgesia for disbudding.