Abstract :
The domestic goat is a sociable, inquisitive, and intelligent species, which has been used for
its meat, milk, skin, and fur since it was first domesticated ca. 10,000 years ago. Although
it exhibits a wide range of behaviours, the domesticated goat has been the subject of
relatively few behavioural studies. In domestic goats, the opportunity to express certain
social behaviours can be limited by captivity and management systems, especially in modern
production systems, where goats are reared intensively under high stocking densities,
sexual segregation, early separation of kids from their mothers, frequent regrouping, and
manipulation during critical periods, including gestation and weaning. To better understand
the requirements of this species and to identify possible tools for the detection of
early modifications in natural behaviours that might indicate poor welfare and the establishment
of positive human–animal interactions, this review provides a detailed description
of goat social behaviour. Practical recommendations arising from observations of goat social
behaviour are provided in the conclusions.
