Milk production from small ruminants has gained popularity, especially in the Alps, where goats and sheep contribute to landscape maintenance and resource conservation. Despite long traditions, knowledge gaps remain regarding udder health and dairy quality. This project, led by Agroscope with cantonal, national and international partners, aims to develop and apply methods to improve udder health, milk, and cheese quality. Planned focus areas include defining standards for small ruminant milk (somatic cell count and microbiome), characterizing mastitis pathogens, and conducting field studies on different lactation systems and alpine vs. valley farming. The results aim to enhance animal welfare/health, food safety, as well as quality assessment of milk and cheese.