Assessing the Welfare of Goats

The assessment of goat welfare must necessarily be based on science, using valid, reliable, and feasible animal-based indicators. In recent years, interest in goats and their welfare has increased significantly, culminating in the publication of the European AWIN welfare assessment protocol in 2015. Although this protocol is widely used, there are still many gaps to be filled for a comprehensive goat welfare assessment. Most studies address the welfare of dairy goats, while virtually no work specifically exists on meat or fibre goats. Only a few indicators have been developed to assess the welfare of bucks and kids, while some studies are available for extensively farmed goats. Feral and wild goats are rarely considered in animal welfare studies. Most validated indicators are useful for measuring the health status of goats, while few are suitable for assessing emotions. There is a great expectation towards Precision Livestock Farming technologies and how it will improve and simplify welfare assessment. While this is partly true, we must not forget that relying completely on technology brings with it risks that can be detrimental to animals.