Organic Farming

Livestock farming involves the keeping of animals, for human gain, in an environment which inevitably differs from the natural environments in which they have evolved.

Organic principles strive to enhance the naturalness of the lives of the stock, and the harmony between individuals in the flock or herd and the physical, climatic and human environments in which they are kept.

Organic livestock health and performance are optimised by careful attention to the basic principles of livestock husbandry, such as selection of appropriate breeds, appropriate management practices and nutrition, and avoidance of overstocking.

Young-stock should receive an adequate supply of colostrum at birth and should remain with their mothers for as long as possible thereafter. Stress should be minimised at all times. Rather than being aimed at maximising animal performance, dietary policy should be aimed at minimising metabolic and physiological disorders, hence the requirement for ruminants to have at least 60% forage in their diet.

Grazing management should be designed to minimise pasture contamination with parasite larvae. Housing conditions should be such that disease risk is minimised i.e. ventilation should be adequate, stocking rate should not be excessive, adequate dry bedding should be available, etc.