Dairy goat production has grown significantly in the UK and across Europe, with welfare standards developing to address the specific needs of this species.
Dairy goat welfare involves specific challenges distinct from cattle and sheep. Goats are highly motivated to climb and explore and suffer welfare compromise in barren environments. Tethering, historically common, is severely limiting of natural behavior. Disbudding of kids without analgesia causes unnecessary pain. Housing design for goats must provide elevated platforms, environmental complexity, and social grouping. Transportation welfare is particularly important as goats are easily stressed. Milk production has increased through selective breeding but must be matched by appropriate nutrition and health monitoring to avoid metabolic disease. Welfare frameworks for dairy goats have lagged behind those for dairy cattle but are advancing.