Dairy Goat Well-being

ADGA presents the following information to assist producers, breeders, & dairy goat enthusiasts.

Five Freedoms History | Disaster & Well-Being Resource Links

Download the Five Freedoms Poster

Sample of the Five Freedoms poster

Download Printable Five Freedoms Poster 8.5 x 11 PDF

Order the Five Freedoms Poster

The 18 inch x 24 inch glossy poster is available for purchase through the ADGA office. The poster is available in the U.S. for $10 plus $2.50 shipping. Please email your order if you have funds on your account or call during business hours. Contact ADGA >>

(Add funds to your account using PayPal)

Five Freedoms: A History 

In 1965, a committee of the British government developed a “Report of the Technical Committee to Enquire into the Welfare of Animals Kept Under Intensive Livestock Husbandry Systems” also known as “The Brambell Report.”

From that initial report, the Farm Animal Welfare Council (then known as Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee), was formed and developed the Five Freedoms in 1979:

  • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
  • Freedom from Discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
  • Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
  • Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
  • Freedom from Fear and Distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

The Five Freedoms have been adopted by many international groups, including the World Organization for Animal Health.  Most Animal Welfare audits are based on the Five Freedoms.

Body Condition Scoring

A PDF of the paper “Factors affecting Body Condition” and  video description of the body condition scoring system.  A collaborative project between the ADGA linear appraisal committee and the University of California, Davis.

The appearance of external links, including subsequent links contained on these sites does not constitute endorsement by ADGA. They are being provided in order to provide additional resources.  Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding content.

Animal Evacuation Checklist

Animal Well-Being, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Canadian Animal Welfare Site

Disaster Planning

Disaster Preparedness Fact Sheet PDF

Disaster Preparedness NCDA website

Disaster Preparedness from the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team

Emergency Response

Goat Care Practices,UC Davis Extension

Goat Study 2019 – National Animal Health Monitoring System

Humane Farm Animal Care Standards

Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Goats, Australian Industry

Wildfire Preparedness Tips (30 min. video)