Abstract
Simple SummaryThe demand for organically grown, animal derived produce is increasing due to a growing desire for consumer products that have minimal chemical inputs and high animal welfare standards. Evaluation of the scientific literature suggests that a major challenge facing organic animal production systems is the management and treatment of health-related issues. However, implementation of effective management practices can help organic animal producers achieve and maintain high standards of health and welfare, which is necessary to assure consumers that organic animal-based food and fibre has not only been produced with minimal or no chemical input, but under high standards of animal welfare.The demand for organically-grown produce is increasing worldwide, with one of the drivers being an expectation among consumers that animals have been farmed to a high standard of animal welfare. This review evaluates whether this expectation is in fact being met, by describing the current level of science-based knowledge of animal health and welfare in organic systems. The primary welfare risk in organic production systems appears to be related to animal health. Organic farms use a combination of management practices, alternative and complementary remedies and convenional medicines to manage the health of their animals and in many cases these are at least as effective as management practices employed by non-organic producers. However, in contrast to non-organic systems, there is still a lack of scientifically evaluated, organically acceptable therapeutic treatments that organic animal producers can use when current management practices are not sufficient to maintain the health of their animals. The development of such treatments are necessary to assure consumers that organic animal-based food and fibre has not only been produced with minimal or no chemical input, but under high standards of animal welfare.
Highlights
The international demand for organic products has increased significantly in recent years [1], suggesting that the production of food and fibre with minimal or no chemical input is a desirable characteristic of organic farming systems
In addition to a lack of synthetic chemicals used in production processes, another expectation of consumers who purchase organic food is that animal welfare standards are higher in organic than in non-organic production systems [1]
Organic farms primarily use management practices and alternative remedies to manage the health of their animals in many studies animal health is similar between organic and non-organically run herds
Summary
The international demand for organic products has increased significantly in recent years [1], suggesting that the production of food and fibre with minimal or no chemical input is a desirable characteristic of organic farming systems. Innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved” This basic definition does not include any statement directly related to either the health or welfare of farmed animals, and alone does not address consumer expectations. Fraser et al [5] recognised that there is a number of overlapping ethical concerns regarding the welfare of animals, based on the relative value that individuals attribute to different dimensions of an animal’s life These are (1) that animals should be able to lead natural lives, (2) that animals should be free of intense and prolonged negative affective states, such as fear and pain and (3) that animals should function well in the sense of having. The resulting information will identify where there is a need for a robust scientific approach to the evaluation of particular organic practices
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