eOrganic author:
Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota
Section 205.238 of the National Organic Program (NOP) final rule (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2000) requires that organic livestock producers must establish preventative livestock health care practices, including:
- Selection of species and types of livestock that are suitable for site-specific conditions and resistant to prevalent diseases and parasites;
- Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional requirements, including vitamins, minerals, protein and/or amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources, and fiber (for ruminants);
- Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions, and sanitation practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites;
- Conditions which allow for exercise, freedom of movement, and reduction of stress appropriate to the species (no caged laying hens, for example);
- Performance of physical alterations as needed to promote the animal's welfare and in a manner that minimizes pain and stress; and
- Administration of vaccines and other veterinary biologics.
References and Citations
- United States Department of Agriculture. 2000. National organic program: Final rule. Codified at 7 C.F.R., part 205. (Available online at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3f34f4c22f9aa8e6d9864cc2683cea02&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl) (verified 8 Dec 2015).
