Investigation on the Welfare of Angora Goats Using Animal and Resource-Based Indicators

This study aimed to assess the welfare levels of Angora goats in Ankara Province, T & uuml;rkiye, using the Animal Needs Index (ANI) and Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) methods. The assessment was conducted on 28 farms, a total of 786 goats. By ANI score, the average was 46.8, with no significant difference based on farm size, as large (>= 600), medium (300-599), and small (<= 299) farms scored 45.6, 46.4, and 48.4 respectively. Using the AWIN Protocol, based on Body Condition Scores, 12.8% of goats were overweight and 11.1% underweight. Poor hair condition was observed in 14.1% of goats, while signs of thermal stress, abscesses, and fecal soiling were present in 1.5%, 1.1%, and 18.6% of goats, respectively; additionally, nasal discharge was detected in 21.2%, ocular discharge in 16.8%, overgrown claws in 18.2%, and udder asymmetry in 13.2% of the goats. The prevalence of dirty goats was observed in 43.6% and anemia (Famacha score 3-4-5) was found in 52.2% of goats. The study emphasizes the positive impact of smaller farm sizes on goat welfare, particularly in terms of locomotion and social interaction.