With a focus on sustainable development, organic livestock farming is becoming increasingly popular and is developing strongly, representing an inevitable and irreplaceable global trend.
While intensive livestock farming focuses on optimizing productivity and output, organic livestock farming places greater emphasis on product value and sustainability. As the demand for safe food with clear origins continues to increase, this farming approach is gradually establishing its position in the development trend of the agricultural sector.
1. WHAT IS ORGANIC LIVESTOCK FARMING?
Organic livestock farming is a type of livestock production that primarily uses natural feed with minimal additives. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, and prohibited chemicals such as growth promoters, lean-meat agents, preservatives, and coloring agents is not permitted.
Image of chicken farming
With the goal of producing clean products, organic livestock farming primarily relies on nutrient recycling from waste products such as animal manure and agricultural by-products for crop cultivation and feed production, thereby providing nutrients to support livestock growth.
Therefore, organic livestock farming can help address global challenges such as disease outbreaks, climate change, water pollution, and unsustainable production and consumption.
Organic livestock farming not only protects animal health but also contributes to protecting consumer health, ensuring profitability for producers, and promoting environmental safety and sustainability. It supports food security and the sustainability of agricultural systems while helping regenerate natural resources such as water, soil, and air, thereby contributing to slowing global warming.
However, organic livestock farming generally has lower productivity than intensive livestock farming, while its products have higher value. As consumers increasingly pay attention to product value, organic livestock farming is becoming more widely developed.
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2. REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIC LIVESTOCK FARMING
a. Breed selection
Livestock breeds should be carefully selected from breeding farms that also operate according to organic production practices and have clear origins.
b. Livestock management and care
Ideally, livestock should be raised in a fully integrated and self-sufficient system, with access to natural grazing. Confinement should be minimized to reduce stress in livestock.
Image of cow farming
d. Disease prevention and control
Disease prevention and control should focus on minimizing and ultimately eliminating the use of antibiotics, harmful chemicals, and veterinary medicines that may adversely affect livestock and consumers. Herbal-based alternatives should be used instead. Requirements regarding stocking density, temperature, humidity, ventilation, and slaughter practices should also be ensured to meet relevant animal welfare standards.
Organic livestock farming is a promising approach that contributes to producing safe products and building a sustainable agricultural sector.