Goats are curious, social, and highly intelligent animals raised for dairy, fiber, and meat. Their welfare needs are often underappreciated compared to cattle and sheep, despite significant populations worldwide.
Goats are cognitively complex animals with strong social bonds and environmental curiosity. Welfare challenges include disbudding pain, social isolation, barren environments, and rapid slaughter of male kids in dairy systems. High-welfare goat farming is achievable and increasingly demanded by consumers, particularly in artisan dairy and sustainable fiber markets.