great lakes dairy sheep symposium - the Department of Animal ...

Organic Milk Production Requirements
Most sheep dairying is a relatively low-input farming system. Especially grass-based systems
will have relatively few major changes to convert their herds to organic production. However, a
few of those changes represent significant alterations in management perspective. The major
challenges in organic sheep milk production may be access to pasture, feeding lambs, parasite
control and production or purchase of organic feed.
Because organic production systems are limited in their use of non-natural inputs, the focus
of the farm activity must be on preventative management - creating environments where
problems are least likely to happen. This concept relates to feed and pasture production as well
as animal health and management. The basis of any successful organic system, animal or crop, is
through effective soil management. This involves supporting diverse soil biology, balancing
minerals and improving soil organic matter. With a focus on improving soil, feed quality will
improve and ultimately, animal health will become optimized, reducing the need for health
interventions. Many farmers who have transitioned to organic animal management systems are
amazed by the long-term improvements in animal health, reduction in veterinarian visits and
improved longevity of their herds or flocks. Animal health relies on building the animals’
immune system so that a natural reaction can fight off the common hazards and infections. An
animal with a compromised or weak immune system will fall prey to things a robust animal will
fight off. Stress is a significant catalyst to injury or illness, and all management practices should
be planned to reduce flock and individual animal stress. Breeding and selection for disease and
parasite resistance is a valuable tool in organic systems.
The basics of an organic dairy system:
1. Organic management for one year before the sale of organic milk. This involves feeding
100% certified organic feed (including pasture) or feed in its third year of transition from
your own farm.
2. Only organic grains and forage. No GMO feed.
3. Animals must have access to pasture, representing a significant percent of feed intake as
seasonally appropriate. Pasture must be certified organic (3 years of only approved
practices).
4. The entire flock must be transitioned at one time, animals may not be taken in and out of
organic production.
5. No non-approved practices for health care. Vaccines are allowed, antibiotics are not
allowed*, chemical wormers only in emergencies, no routine use. Herbal health products,
homeopathic remedies, etc. allowed as long as they do not include non-approved
materials, such as fillers or flowing agents. (see resources) (*antibiotics must be used if
they are seen as the only way to save an animal’s life. If antibiotics are used, however,
the animal must be taken out of organic production or sold, and will only produce nonorganic
milk after this time.)
6. Natural parasite control, involving proper pasture management and animal rotation and
allowed herbal or mineral formulations. For more information see “Internal Parasites and
Ruminants: Organic Answers.”
http://www.mosesorganic.org/broadcaster/13.6intparisites.htm
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