Goats are among the world most numerous domestic animals, farmed for milk, meat, fiber, and land management across widely varying welfare conditions globally.
Goat welfare varies enormously between extensive pastoral systems, where animals live relatively natural lives, and intensive dairy operations, where they may be confined and subjected to painful procedures without pain relief. Effective parasite management, access to browse and foraging opportunities, social housing, and pain management during disbudding and other procedures are key welfare priorities.