The separation of goat kids from their mothers shortly after birth is standard practice in dairy goat systems and causes distress for both kids and does.
Kid-doe separation in dairy goats causes acute welfare distress for both animals. Extended vocalisation, searching behaviour and reduced feed intake in both does and kids indicate genuine suffering. While prolonged separation is standard practice driven by efficiency, research consistently shows that extended dam-rearing produces better welfare outcomes. Consumer demand for higher-welfare goat dairy products can drive adoption of longer rearing periods.