Assessing dairy goat welfare in intensive or semi-intensive farming conditions in Mexico

We aimed to verify whether a low number of relevant animal-based indicators was able discriminate 33 semi-intensive (grazing during the day and confinement night with access an outdoor paddock; S-INT) 8 intensive farms (permanent INT) located in Mexican semi-desert. In addition, we implemented resource-based assessment scheme Animal Needs Index (ANI) identified compare overall level welfare INT S-INT. particular, used protocol made up 2 parts. The first comprised 4 evaluation sheets (locomotion, flooring, environment, management) derived from ANI, second one set validated measures focusing on physical conditions clinical signs disease Welfare Indicators reported additional sheets. scoring system also partial scores for each sheet be summed obtain total score. A 1,116 dairy goats were assessed. All observations recordings performed by expert veterinarian evaluator assisted auxiliary, longevity retrieved farm records. prevalence animals displaying dirtiness, ocular discharge, abscesses, claw overgrowth higher than Disbudding routinely only. Therefore, scurs, indicating improper disbudding, recorded only INT. raised S-INT Conversely, affected anemia (i.e., FAMACHA >2) or lean body condition score <2) tended No significant differences between groups detected wounds, nasal integument alterations, fecal soiling, uterine prolapse, subclinical mastitis. results obtained using confirmed when variables included assessment, as 3 out 6 health—physical conditions) scored As consequence, conclude that selected different production systems. levels observed farms, where allowed spend most natural pasture, compared constantly confined. Nevertheless, certain degree improvement should promoted terms farms.