Dairy and meat goat farming is growing globally but welfare standards lag significantly behind those for cattle and sheep, with goats' specific behavioural and physiological needs often poorly understood.
Goat welfare in commercial systems suffers from a combination of neglect (less research attention than cattle and sheep) and the application of management systems designed for other species. Goats are not small sheep and they are not small cattle - their behavioural ecology, disease vulnerabilities, and social structures differ significantly from both. Providing appropriate shelter, climbing structures, environmental enrichment, and social stability meets goats' specific needs. The dairy goat sector is growing, particularly for artisanal cheese production, and consumer and retail interest in goat welfare standards is increasing. This creates an opportunity for welfare improvement through certification and supply chain engagement.