Dairy goats produce milk enjoyed globally, but their welfare depends on management practices that respect their social nature, cognitive abilities, and physical needs.
Dairy goat welfare is complex and often overlooked compared to dairy cows. Kid separation causes acute stress to both mother and offspring - vocal calling behaviors persist for days after separation. Goats are profoundly social animals and isolation causes significant psychological distress. In intensive systems, goats may be kept in barren environments that prevent natural foraging behavior, leading to boredom and stereotypic behaviors. Their hooves require regular trimming - a significant labor investment that is often deferred, leading to painful overgrowth. Mastitis causes pain, fever, and systemic illness. Small-scale and pasture-based dairy goat operations generally provide substantially better welfare, allowing the social interaction, browse access, and movement that goats require.