The stocking density (animal/area, SD) is one of the significant factors that influence the welfare and performance of animals. However, there are discrepancies in the recommended SD for fiber, meat, and dairy goats, which means farming practices and welfare standards for goats should be better defined. Therefore, this review article sheds light on 1) some differences between goats and sheep. 2) the geographical distribution of fiber, meat type, and dairy goat populations. 3) effects of interaction between SD and group size on social, feeding, and aggressive behaviors. 4) the effects of SD on meat and milk production. 5) the relationship between SD and reproductive performance. In conclusion, the larger space allowance with access to an outdoor yard can improve species-specific behaviors and meat and milk yield. Moreover, goats are more sensitive to high SD (less than 3 m2/ goat), especially during the last stage of the gestation period. Allowing optimal floor space for each breed is important to avoid the undesired behavioral response. Conclusively, improving the housing aspects, including floor space and enrichment tools, would assist in implementing welfare-economic production standards for goats.
Keywords: Average daily gain; Bucks; Cold stress; Goat population; Heat stress; Milk yield.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.