Where Are Goats Going? The Future of Goats for Farming and Other Purposes

Goats are a species of growing interest all over the world, and their role is evolving beyond their mere use for production purposes, now including also educationalEducational, therapeuticTherapeutic, recreational, and companionCompanion purposes. Most of the goats are located in developing countries, where farming conditions are often challenging for their welfare. At the same time, welfare-friendly production systems, such as extensiveExtensive and organic systems, are spreading in developed countries in response to consumers’ demand, with positive effects on goats’ welfare. Nowadays, the species is facing a number of environmental challenges, such as climate changeClimate change and the return of large predatorsPredators, for which it is necessary to implement proper management and breeding strategies. New welfare issues are emerging in relation to the increasing presence of goats in zoos, petPet farms, schoolsSchools, sanctuariesSanctuaries, and private settings, as people interacting with goats might not always be sufficiently informed on how to manage these animals. Information and trainingTraining of people who take care of goats should therefore be strongly encouraged, in order to guarantee that animals receive adequate care.