What the Standards say about livestock health care

 

In keeping with the fundamental principles of organic agriculture, the NOP Standards require that livestock producers rely first and foremost on preventive methods for livestock health care, as outlined in (§205.238):
 
1.     Selection of suitable species and breeds with strong natural resistance to common disorders
2.     Offering a well-balanced ration to meet all nutritional requirements
3.     Provision of appropriate housing and high-quality pasture to allow necessary exercise and relaxation
4.     Good sanitation
5.     Judicious and humane use of physical alteration practices
6.     Use of vaccines and biologics
 
We'll talk more about these methods in a moment.
 
When preventive practices are not enough, synthetic medications may be used, provided they are allowed under §205.603. Use of hormones for growth promotion is prohibited, as is the routine use of synthetic parasiticides or any animal drug in the absence of illness.  
 
Antibiotics are also prohibited in organic livestock production—any animal treated with antibiotics must be permanently removed from the organic herd. Necessary medical treatment should never be withheld from a sick animal in order to preserve its organic status, however.


New rules are currently under review and development. Check with your certifier or the USDA NOP website for the most current information.