In dairy goat farming, kids are typically separated from their mothers shortly after birth to maximise milk production. This practice raises significant welfare concerns for both does and their offspring.
Kid separation in dairy goat farming mirrors the welfare concerns in dairy cattle but receives far less public attention despite comparable suffering. Does produce distress calls for extended periods after separation; kids reared without maternal contact show elevated stress hormones and impaired social development. Dam-rearing or extended contact systems are technically feasible and represent a welfare improvement, though they require adjustments to milk harvesting schedules. Consumer awareness can drive producer incentives to adopt higher-welfare approaches.