Farmers and ranchers must accommodate the health and natural behavior of their animals year-round. For example, organic livestock must be:
- Generally, managed organically from the last third of gestation (mammals) or second day of life (poultry).
- Allowed year-round access to the outdoors except under specific conditions (e.g., inclement weather).
- Raised on certified organic land meeting all organic crop production standards.
- Raised per animal health and welfare standards.
- Fed 100 percent certified organic feed, except for trace minerals and vitamins used to meet the animal’s nutritional requirements.
- Managed without antibiotics, added growth hormones, mammalian or avian byproducts, or other prohibited feed ingredients (e.g., urea, manure, or arsenic compounds).
Which substances can be used to prevent and treat diseases in organic livestock?
Prevention. Since organic farmers can’t routinely use drugs to prevent diseases and parasites, they mostly use animal selection and management practices. Only a few drugs, such as vaccines, are allowed.
Treatment. Pain medication and dewormers (for dairy and breeder stock) are examples of allowed animal drugs. These therapies are only allowed if preventive strategies fail and the animal becomes ill.
Organic livestock must be raised in a way that accommodates their health and natural behavior:
- Access to the outdoors
- Shade
- Clean, dry bedding
- Shelter
- Space for exercise
- Fresh air
- Clean drinking water
- Direct sunlight
Organic management reduces stress, reducing the incidence of diseases and supporting animal welfare.