MiZie

Through interdisciplinary research, the MiZie project evaluates the feeding of dairy goats in organic farming and the impacts of mother-reared systems on the behavior of goat kids. It addresses the challenges of goat welfare in animal husbandry and feeding of lactating dairy goats on pasture, aiming to optimize the animals' nutritional supply and promote their wellbeing.

In Göttingen, trials assess the energy maintenance requirements of lactating goats on pasture by comparing them to goats kept indoors. Various techniques, some of which are sensor-supported, are employed to measure the amount of edible pasture consumed. Additionally, data on metabolic health and nutritional status are analyzed, for example by analyzing milk contents. Findings from these experiments will then help evaluate the feeding management of organically raised dairy goats on practical farms. This includes ration formulation, the assessment of important feeding indicators and feed sample analysis. Collaborating with the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, the project elaborates on examining how the design and management of feeding areas influence the animals’ social behavior, feed intake, and physical condition.

Another important aspect, led by the colleagues at Humboldt University in Berlin, is the rearing of goat kids with mother contact. Despite subsequent benefits for the kids, this method is studied for its effects on the animals’ social competence and applied nutritional strategies. Through transdisciplinary research in the fields of animal nutrition and ethology, MiZie makes a great contribution to animal welfare-oriented husbandry and goat-friendly feeding practices.

Project partner:


Running time:
01.09.2023 -31.08. 2026

Funding reference number:
2822OE141
Funding: