Goats are among the most widely kept livestock globally, particularly in smallholder systems in developing regions. Their welfare is closely linked to the livelihoods of the families that keep them.
Goat welfare in smallholder contexts requires culturally sensitive, economically feasible approaches. The families keeping these goats are often as economically vulnerable as the animals are welfare-vulnerable — solutions that increase costs without providing commensurate economic benefit will not be adopted. The most effective welfare interventions are those that improve productivity alongside welfare: better parasite management produces healthier animals that grow faster; better nutrition management reduces mortality and increases milk production. Integrated animal health programs that combine welfare improvement with agricultural development are the most impactful approach.