Meat kids from dairy goat and fibre goat farms have historically been killed at birth. Developing markets for meat kids improves welfare by giving these animals meaningful lives.
The welfare of male dairy goat kids has been a significant concern as an unwanted by-product of dairy goat production. Killing healthy animals at birth, when alternatives exist, reflects welfare failure. Developing rose kid and specialty goat meat markets, supported by supermarket commitments, gives these animals weeks or months of meaningful welfare before humane slaughter. Proper rearing standards including social housing, appropriate nutrition, and transport and slaughter standards ensure the lives they do live are welfare positive.