MODULE 6 ORGANIC FARMING FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND BIODIVERSITY

MODULE 6 REMARK

This module consists of two parts:The first part, including 20 slides, covers general themes related to on organic farming for animal production and biodiversity.

•At the end of the first part it will be a set of ten questions. For each question there are three answers, just one of them correct. If all your answers are right you pass the test, otherwise you will repeat the sequence till the test is completed without mistakes.

•The second part, including 30 slides, contains details on organic farming for animal production and biodiversity.

•As for the first part, at its end there will be ten multiple choice questions. If all your answers will be correct, the system will allow to print a Certificate corresponding to the 3rd Level.

MODULE 6 INTRODUCTION

Animal welfare has to be emphasized in animal husbandry. If the climate is appropriate for this, open housing is allowed in organic animal farming. Organic animal husbandry has to meet the requirements for the animals’ developmental, biological and behavioural needs as well as the animal density. Buildings used for keeping animals in them should be built in a way that can provide natural ventilation and light. The dust concentration in the air, the temperature and the humidity should be kept under the level that is not harmful for animals. Density in the buildings has to be adjusted in a way that provides maximum comfort and welfare to animals but at the same time behavioural characteristics of animals also have to be paid attention for. The buildings should have an anti-slip floor. The buildings for animal keeping have to provide a comfortable, littered, dry and clean bed.

In case of appropriate weather and soil conditions continuous open housing should be provided for the livestock. Attention should be paid for density in the case of open housing in order not to damage the soil, e.g.: overgrazing, treading damage, erosion or manure overload. Manure load shall not exceed the limit of 170 kg/ha/year.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

Animal transportation should be as short in time as possible; loading and unloading of animals shall be carried out without the use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the animals. The use of allopathic tranquillisers, prior to or during transport, is prohibited. Mutilation (e.g.: dehorning) is prohibited, physical castration or ovaries removal are allowed only in certain cases by an expert. Artificial fertilization of animals is allowed while the use of hormones or similar substances to control reproduction is prohibited.

Preventive treatment of diseases in organic animal farming is very important. The adequate breeding system, practice, the appropriate quality and quantity of feed, the required freedom of movement and sufficient density could help in prevention. The use of antibiotics and other synthetic substances for prevention are prohibited.

The buildings used for keeping the organic livestock in them shall be cleaned reguralry with only those disinfection substances that are allowed to use by the EU.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

In case of a disease, the concerned animal(s) shall be quarantined and treated with phytotherapeutic or homoepathic products. In case of a deficiency disease, mineral substances, vitamins and trace elements shall be fed.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

CONSTITUTE AND RENEW THE ORGANIC LIVESTOCK

Non-organic adult male and nulliparous female mammals, for the renewal of a herd or flock, shall be reared subsequently in accordance with the organic production rules. Moreover, the number of female mammals is subject to the following restrictions per year: up to a maximum of 10 % of adult equine or bovine livestock and 20 % of the adult porcine, ovine and caprine livestock, as female animals.

Conversion periods: 12 months in the case of equines and bovines for meat production (and in any case at least three quarters of their lifetime), six months in the case of small ruminants and pigs and animals for milk production, 10 weeks for poultry for meat production, brought in before they are three days old, six weeks in the case of poultry for egg production. It should therefore not be allowed to label in-conversion products or processed foodstuffs as organic.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

FEED

In the case of bovines, equines and small ruminants, except the pasturing period, at least 60% of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, be produced in cooperation with other organic farms primarily in the same region.

In the case of pigs and poultry at least 20% of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, it shall come from another similar organic farm.

The animals shall be fed with such organic pasture feed, hay or fodder that meets the requirements of their development and production stage of life.

Roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage shall be added to the daily ration for pigs and poultry.

Force-feeding (e.g. ducks or goose) is forbidden.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

ANIMAL HEALTH

The most important task is disease prevention. It depends on the following things: appropriate choice of species, good breeding practice, premium quality feed, proper drive of the animals, good animal density and sufficient higyenic keeping conditions.

The use of antibiotics and other synthetic substances for prevention are prohibited. The use of substances to promote growth or production (including antibiotics, coccidiostatics and other artificial aids for growth promotion purposes) and the use of hormones or similar substances to control reproduction or for other purposes (e.g. induction or synchronisation of oestrus), is prohibited.

Housing, pens, equipment and utensils shall be properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the buildup of disease carrying organisms.

Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt feed shall be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell and to avoid attracting insects or rodents.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

ANIMAL SPECIES

CATTLE

The most appropriate housing for milk and meat producing animals is a deep littered building enclosed on three sides and south side open. A solid floored run, a roofed feeding space and an automatic drinker is closely connected to the housing. Milking of a dairy stock shall be done at a separated milking place. It is important that the feed distribution and the manure removal shall be done by mechanical traction.

Meat type and young animals shall have access to pasture most of the year. Besides the optimum animal density, an appropriate number of feeding, drinking troughs and shaded resting places shall be established at the pasture. Controlled grazing allows vegetation to grow back. Pasture feeding of meat type cattles shall be outdoors except in winter. When grazing is not possible due to weather conditions, animals shall be fed silage, fodder and hay indoors similarly to milk type animals. Feeding fodder beet, sugar beet and pumpkin has advantageous diatery effects. Leafy corn stalk, barley straw, different industrial marcs and malt returns are good complementary feeds of hay and alfalfa hay.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

In the case of milk type stocks, it is necessary to pay a special attention to the physiological stages such as: calf raising (selection, increase of weight), impregnation, the period of the pregnancy, preparations for the birth, birth, postpartum events, lactation and reimpregnation. This annual “big cycle” provides the existence of an economical organic dairy farm. The milk produced in lactation can be marketed as an organic product. Further processing of milk results in yogurt, kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese and cheese that provide premium quality human nutriment.

In animal health, a special attention has to be paid to tasks such as: vaccinations, diagnostic tests, activities related to reproduction (womb and ovary massage, treatments), udder health, animal and food hygiene, parasite prevention, shipping and distribution.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

PIGS

The indigenous pigs, for example the Mangalitza in Hungary, and their cross bred with meat type species are the most suitable for organic farming. Mangalitza is used for cross breeding in more and more countries in the world today.

The pork and other meat products of the organic pigs contain much more omega-3 fatty acid than those ones raised with the intensive keeping.

The basic rules of the organic pig farming are that the general condition of the animals should be good and they should be provided natural keeping conditions.

Tethering of sows is not allowed in organic pig farming. Physical castration of boar piglets by an expert is allowed with causing as little pain as possible and if the hygienic rules are kept.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

Organic pigs farming spend most of their life in the pasture because they enjoy themselves there: they may roam freely, graze their natural feed and rest anywhere and anytime they want. Wallowing is one of the most favourite activities of pigs. It allows them to cool off and to protect themselves from parasites and flies. It is recommended to establish an artificial wallowing place. A mobile housing can be a good protection for animals if the weather is too hot or rainy.

If the last three month of the pig fattening was carried out indoors in the case of organic animal farming system, then a deep littered building can provide sufficient comfort and cleanliness. The animals tolerate even the hard winter if they are kept in herds of 30-50 pigs and 1.2-1.5 m2 area per animal and 0.5-1 kg straw are provided for them.

Organic pigs can be slaughtered after the age of 9 months and if the live weight reaches 120 kg (optimal slaughtering weight of Mangalitza is 180 kg and in the age of 1.5 years). Animal transport before slaughtering shall meet the requirements of the animal protection rules. The use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the animals is prohibited. In the case of animal transportation the identification of each animal is essential.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

POULTRY

The results of the variety conservation programmes let the indigenous and dual purpose chicken breeds, landrace turkeys, guinea fowls and different water fowls survive. The meat of these kinds of poultry is much healthier than those ones involved in the intensive keeping. Indigenous poultry species usually grow slow so blood drop interbreeding is often carried out with species that has stronger muscles and grow faster after they have been involved into organic farming. With this method the best hybrids can be selected for organic farming.

Mutilation in organic poultry farming is forbidden (trimming of beaks and claws etc.). Neutralizing of animals (for example caponizing) is allowed if a special product is produced and if it is done by an expert who keeps the concerning rules.

Day old chicks shall be purchased from controlled and licenced hatcheries if the preventive animal health treatments have been done.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

The aim of the organic poultry farming is not the maximum output but to produce a premium quality and fiber rich product with a traditional taste. This can be attained with open housing management and traditional feed. An outdoor management shall be provided for poultry with green vegetation and natural ground for scratching about.

Health damaging and irreversible fattening methods are forbidden (for example force feeding).

A record shall be made of organic poultry and kept at the holding that can be checked by a control body anytime. The record shall contain the followings: •the received animals by species•the dispatched animals by species•the number and reason of animal loss per day•detailed descriptions of preventions, treatments and veterinary procedures•the feeding system and the detailed information of its irregular function

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

HORSES

Horses shall be fed with high quality meadow hay. In order to complete their diet, alfalfa, mowed grass, green leafy corn stalk, fodder beet or sugar beet should be fed. The best provender for horses is oat.

Grazing is essential for horses in every agegroups in every season. Trees, shady resting places and water troughs shall be provided at the pastures.

The most common animal health treatments for horses are the treatments against tooth and hoof parasitic infestations. These treatments shall be carried out with patience and without cause of suffering for the animal.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

SHEEP

Sheep is an animal species that adapts well to organic farming. Sheep spend most of their life on the pasture except when fattening. Organic sheep farming has many effects on environmental protection. Dehorning, mutilation and tethering of sheep are prohibited in organic farming. Sheep shall be kept without tethering both indoors and outdoors. Sheep shall have an easy access to drinking and feeding troughs.

Sheep is the one of the herbivorous animals that can be pastured the longest time. If necessary, wasteproduct can be fed as complementary feed. The most optimal grass for sheep is the sprouts (10-15 cm tall) mixed with leguminous crops (15-20%).

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

SHEEP

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

GOATS

It is very important in organic goat farming that only those milk and meat products shall be considered as organic that come from a fully converted farm.

Goats like varied plants so pastures with the plant flora of bushes, trees, grass and leguminous crops shall be provided for them. The daily feed of goats shall consist of at least 60% roughage. Both fresh and dried chemical free foliage can be fed. The organic feed for the goat shall be consisted of 6-8 different kinds of feed. The organic goats’ milk, meat, fat and milkproducts (butter, kephir, yoghurt, sweet whey, urdă, cheese and cottage cheese) are trademarked, premium quality, healthy and easily digested human nutrition. In many cases these products are consumed as a complementary foodstuff of medicines.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

BEES

One of the important tasks of the organic bee keeping is to stop or minimize the harmful chemical effects. Protection from exogenous poisoning can be attained if the isolation distance is kept (minimum 3.5 km) from the polluting source. Apiarists have no protection against acid rains, their effects may show up through plants only. The applied bactericides, fungicides and acaricides inside the hives may cause contamination. Bee pastures are the flowers of the trees and other different plants. For good honey yield, hives shall be established near huge fields of blooming plants where no exogenious pollution exists.

In organic beekeeping essential oils and organic acids (formic acid, acetic acid and lactic acid) are used to protect against mites.

Advices for beekeepers:•avoid using queen excluders;•clipping of the wings of the queen is forbidden;•robbing of hives must not cause starvation of the colony;•do not extract honey frames with brood in them;•the honey from an organic apiary is pure and does not contain sugar.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2

Organic honey and organic honey products are the healthiest foodstuffs of the mankind.

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2 TEST

Which management technology provides the best animal welfare?a)traditionalb)organicc)intensived)special

In which age can dehorning be performed?a)days-oldb)after weaningc)it is forbiddend)after birth

Can livestocks be replaced in organic animal farming?a)nob)yes, completelyc)in a certain extentd)at any time

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2 TEST

Is artificial insemination of animals permitted?a)yesb)noc)periodicallyd)in the case of warm weather conditions

What does ’big cycle’ of cows mean?a)the length of lifeb)from birth to reimpregnationc)from birth to the first impregnationd)this term is not exist

Why does organic pork provide premium quality?a)It does not provide premium quality. It is equal to the pork comes from intensive management.b)Because it has high saturated fatty acid content.c)Because it has omega-3 fatty acid content.d)Because it has omega-6 fatty acid content.

Question 4

Question 6

Question 5

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2 TEST

Why poultry is involved in organic production?a)Because organic poultry lays more eggs.b)Because organic poultry has premium quality and fiber rich meat.c)Because organic poultry has high body water content.d)Because organic poultry reproduces well.

How tall pasture grass is the most optimal for sheep?a)40-50 cmb)50-100 cmc)20-40 cmd)10-15 cm

What plant flora is good for goats?a)treesb)alfalfac)varied plant florad)cabbage

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2 TEST

How can organic apiarists fight against mites?a)With the use of organic acids.b)With the use of antibiotics.c)With the use of smokers.d)If they burn the beehives.

Question 10

MODULE 6 PART I – LEVEL 2 TEST

SOLUTIONS

1)b2)c3)c4)a5)b6)c7)b8)d9)c

10)a

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

The regulation of the Council of the European Union (834/2007) and the regulation of the European Commission (EC 889/2008) contain the requirements for organic farming of bovines, equines, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, bees and aquaculture animals.

Animal welfare has to be emphasized in animal husbandry. If the climate is appropriate for this, open housing is allowed in organic animal farming. Organic animal husbandry has to meet the requirements for the animals’ developmental, biological and behavioural needs as well as the animal density. Buildings used for keeping animals in them should be built in a way that can provide natural ventilation and light. The dust concentration in the air, the temperature and the humidity should be kept under the level that is not harmful for animals. Density in the buildings has to be adjusted in a way that provides maximum comfort and welfare to animals but at the same time behavioural characteristics of animals also have to be paid attention for. The buildings should have an anti-slip floor. The buildings for animal keeping have to provide a comfortable, littered, dry and clean bed.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Calves must not be caged after the age of one week. Pigs shall be kept in groups except the last stage of the pregnancy and the suckling period, and the possibility for rooting has to be provided for them. Poultry must not be caged but a chicken run should be provided for them. Water fowls shall have access to a stream, pond, lake or a pool. In their resting place a littered floor, sufficient number of perches and holes for exit/entry shall be provided according to the species and the animal density.

In case of appropriate weather and soil conditions continuous open housing should be provided for the livestock. Attention should be paid for density in the case of open housing in order not to damage the soil, e.g.: overgrazing, treading damage, erosion or manure overload. Manure load shall not exceed the limit of 170 kg/ha/year.

Animal transportation should be as short in time as possible; loading and unloading of animals shall be carried out without the use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the animals. The use of allopathic tranquillisers, prior to or during transport, is prohibited.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Mutilation (e.g.: dehorning) is prohibited, physical castration or ovaries removal are allowed only in certain cases by an expert. Artificial fertilization of animals is allowed while the use of hormones or similar substances to control reproduction is prohibited.

Preventive treatment of diseases in organic animal farming is very important. The adequate breeding system, practice, the appropriate quality and quantity of feed, the required freedom of movement and sufficient density could help in prevention. The use of antibiotics and other synthetic substances for prevention are prohibited.

The buildings used for keeping the organic livestock in them shall be cleaned reguralry with only those disinfection substances that are allowed to use by the EU.

In case of a disease, the concerned animal(s) shall be quarantined and treated with phytotherapeutic or homoepathic products. In case of a deficiency disease, mineral substances, vitamins and trace elements shall be fed.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

CONSTITUTE AND RENEW THE ORGANIC LIVESTOCK

When a flock is constituted for the first time, it needs some mammals originated from a non organic farm. These animals should be reared in accordance with the organic production rules immediately after they are weaned. According to their age and weight: calves, young buffalo and foals should be less than 6 months old, lambs and kids should be less than 60 days old, piglets shall weigh less than 35 kg.

Non-organic adult male and nulliparous female mammals, for the renewal of a herd or flock, shall be reared subsequently in accordance with the organic production rules. Moreover, the number of female mammals is subject to the following restrictions per year: up to a maximum of 10 % of adult equine or bovine livestock and 20 % of the adult porcine, ovine and caprine livestock, as female animals.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

For units with less than 10 equine or bovine animals, or with less than five porcine, ovine or caprine animals any renewal as mentioned above shall be limited to a maximum of one animal. However, there are exceptions in some special cases: a major extension to the farm is undertaken, a breed is changed or breeds are in danger of being lost to farming.

There is a different rule concerning poultry: baby chickens and ducklings shall be less than 3 days old or laying hens less than 18 weeks old if they were fed organically and received veterinary treatment.

If a holding has a converted livestock and a livestock under conversion at the same time, then they shall be separated from each oher and the operator shall keep adequate records to show the separation.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Conversion rules for crop production shall be applied in fodder production too with the exception of that the conversion period may be reduced to one year for pasturages and open air areas (runs, pens etc.) used by non-herbivore species (pigs, poultry). This period may be reduced to six months where the land concerned has not during the last year, received treatments with products not authorised for organic production.

Conversion periods: 12 months in the case of equines and bovines for meat production (and in any case at least three quarters of their lifetime), six months in the case of small ruminants and pigs and animals for milk production, 10 weeks for poultry for meat production, brought in before they are three days old, six weeks in the case of poultry for egg production. It should therefore not be allowed to label in-conversion products or processed foodstuffs as organic.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area(exercise area,

excluding pasturage)

Live weight minimum (kg)

m2/head m2/head

Breeding and fattening bovineand equidae

up to 100up to 200up to 350over 350

1,52,44,0

5 with a minimum of 1 m2/100 kg

1,11,93,0

3,7 with a minimum of 0,75

m2/100 kg

Dairy cows 6 4,5

Bulls for breeding 10 30

Sheep and goats 1,5 sheep/goat0,35 lamb/kid

2,50,5

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area(exercise area,

excluding pasturage)

Live weight minimum (kg)

m2/head m2/head

Farrowing sows with piglets upto 40 days

7,5 sow 2,5

Fattening pigs up to 50up to 85

up to 110over 110

0,81,11,31,5

0,60,81,01,2

Piglets over 40 days and up to 30 kg

0,6 0,4

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area(exercise area,

excluding pasturage)

Live weight minimum (kg)

m2/head m2/head

Brood pigs 2,5 female6,0 male*

1,98,0

* If pens are used for natural service: 10 m2/boar

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area

(m2 of area available in

rotation / head)

No animals/m2

cmperch/animal

Nest m2/head

Laying hens 6 18 7 laying hens per nest or in

case of common nest 120 cm2/bird

4, provided that the limit of 170 kg ofN/ha/year is

not exceeded

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area(m2 of area available in

rotation / head)No

animals/m2cm

perch/animalNest m2/head

Fattening poultry (in fixed housing)

10 with a maximum of

21 kgliveweight/m2

20 (for guinea fowl only)

4 broilers and guinea fowl, 4,5

ducks, 10 turkey, 15 geese.

In all the species mentioned above

the limit of 170 kg of N/ha/year is not exceeded

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Minimum surface areas in organic animal farming:

Indoors area(net area available to animals)

Outdoors area(m2 of area available in

rotation / head)No

animals/m2cm

perch/animalNest m2/head

Fattening poultry in mobile housing

16* in mobile poultry

houses with a maximum of

30 kg

2,5, provided that the limit of

170 kg of N/ha/year is not

exceeded

* Only in the case of mobile houses not exceeding 150 m2 floor space.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

HOUSING CONDITIONS AND HUSBANDRY PRACTICES FOR POULTRY

Poultry shall not be kept in cages. At least one third of the floor area of the building shall be solid, that is, not of slatted or of grid construction, and covered with a litter material such as straw, wood shavings, sand or turf. In poultry houses for laying hens, a sufficiently large part of the floor area available to the hens shall be available for the collection of bird droppings.

Each poultry house shall not contain more than:•4 800 chickens,•3 000 laying hens,•5 200 guinea fowl,•4 000 ducks,•2 500 capons, geese or turkeys.

The total usable area of poultry houses for meat production on any single unit, shall not exceed 1 600 m2. Natural light may be supplemented by artificial means to provide a maximum of 16 hours light per day with a continuous nocturnal rest period without artificial light of at least eight hours.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Poultry for meat production shall come from slow-growing poultry strains. Where slow-growing poultry strains are not used by the operator the following minimum age at slaughter shall be:

•81 days for chickens,•150 days for capons,•49 days for Peking ducks,•70 days for female Muscovy ducks,•84 days for male Muscovy ducks,•92 days for Mallard ducks,•94 days for guinea fowl,•140 days for male turkeys and roasting geese and•100 days for female turkeys.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

ACCESS TO OPEN AIR AREAS

•Open air areas may be partially covered.•Bovines, equines and small ruminants shall have permanent access to a pasture, whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this•Concerning the above mentioned animals, the obligation to provide open air areas during the winter months may be waived.•Bulls over one year old shall have access to pasturage or an open air area.•Bovines for meat production are allowed to keep inside for the last 3 months of their lifetime.•Poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one third of their life.•Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation and be provided with protective facilities and permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking and feeding troughs. For adequate vegetation 4 weeks shall be elapsed between the use of two different open air areas.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

FEED

In the case of bovines, equines and small ruminants, except the pasturing period, at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, be produced in cooperation with other organic farms primarily in the same region.

In the case of pigs and poultry at least 20 % of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, it shall come from another similar organic farm.

The animals shall be fed with such organic pasture feed, hay or fodder that meets the requirements of their development and production stage of life.

Roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage shall be added to the daily ration for pigs and poultry.

Force-feeding (e.g. ducks or goose) is forbidden.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Animals can be fed with non organic feed like spices, herbs and molasses if:•there is no organic feed available,•there was no chemical contact,•they do not exceed the 1% of the dry matter content of the agricultural feed per year.

Pigs and poultry shall be fed with traditionally grown protein feed only in the case if no organic feed is available. This complementary feed is not allowed to exceed the 5% of the dry matter content of the annually fed feed.

The maximum percentage authorised of non-organic feed in the daily ration shall be 25% calculated as a percentage of the dry matter.

If the produced organic feed was destroyed, contaminated or the animals cannot be fed with organic feed periodically due to force majeure, then the authority has the right to allow feeding traditionally grown feed for a specified time.

Only unrefined sea salt and coarse rock salt can be used in feeding.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

ANIMAL HEALTH

The most important task is disease prevention. It depends on the following things: appropriate choice of species, good breeding practice, premium quality feed, proper drive of the animals, good animal density and sufficient higyenic keeping conditions.

The use of antibiotics and other synthetic substances for prevention are prohibited. The use of substances to promote growth or production (including antibiotics, coccidiostatics and other artificial aids for growth promotion purposes) and the use of hormones or similar substances to control reproduction or for other purposes (e.g. induction or synchronisation of oestrus), is prohibited. Housing, pens, equipment and utensils shall be properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the buildup of disease carrying organisms.

Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt feed shall be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell and to avoid attracting insects or rodents.Products for cleaning and disinfection in livestock buildings and installations shall be used only if they have been authorised for use in organic production.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Rodenticides can be used only in traps. Only permitted substances can be used for the elimination of insects, other pests and in plant protection.

Buildings shall be emptied of livestock between each batch of poultry reared. The buildings and fittings shall be cleaned and disinfected during this time. If necessary, the above mentioned shall be done in case of runs. When the rearing of each batch of poultry has been completed, runs shall be left empty to allow vegetation to grow back.

If the use of measures for prevention is not effective then ill or injured animals shall be quarantined and treatment is essential. During treatment herbal products, trace elements, mineral feed materials used in organic farming and homoepathic products shall be given preference. If the above mentioned treatments are not effective then it is essential to avoid suffering or distress of the animal. In this case the method of the treatment shall be selected by the veterinarian based on the rules of the profession.

Vaccinations against definite diseases, treatments for parasites and compulsory eradication schemes are allowed in organic farming.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

ANIMAL SPECIES

CATTLE

The most important animal species in organic animal farming is the cattle because it produces milk, meat and manure for replacing the production capacity of the soil.

The most appropriate housing for milk and meat producing animals is a deep littered building enclosed on three sides and south side open. A solid floored run, a roofed feeding space and an automatic drinker is closely connected to the housing. Milking of a dairy stock shall be done at a separated milking place. It is important that the feed distribution and the manure removal shall be done by mechanical traction.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Meat type and young animals shall have access to pasture most of the year. Besides the optimum animal density, an appropriate number of feeding, drinking troughs and shaded resting places shall be established at the pasture. Controlled grazing allows vegetation to grow back. Pasture feeding of meat type cattles shall be outdoors except in winter. When grazing is not possible due to weather conditions, animals shall be fed silage, fodder and hay indoors similarly to milk type animals. Feeding fodder beet, sugar beet and pumpkin has advantageous diatery effects. Leafy corn stalk, barley straw, different industrial marcs and malt returns are good complementary feeds of hay and alfalfa hay. Meat type cattles reach the desired meat quality according to the age characteristics of the species and the quantity and quality of the feed. It means that they are ready to be sent to the slaughter house where the process of organic meat is provided accorning to the animal protection regulations.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

In the case of milk type stocks, it is necessary to pay a special attention to the physiological stages such as: calf raising (selection, increase of weight), impregnation, the period of the pregnancy, preparations for the birth, birth, postpartum events, lactation and reimpregnation. This annual “big cycle” provides the existence of an economical organic dairy farm. The milk produced in lactation can be marketed as an organic product. Further processing of milk results in yogurt, kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese and cheese that provide premium quality human nutriment.

In animal health, a special attention has to be paid to tasks such as: vaccinations, diagnostic tests, activities related to reproduction (womb and ovary massage, treatments), udder health, animal and food hygiene, parasite prevention, shipping and distribution.

It is very important to record every event and intervention based on marking of each animal in organic cattle breeding. Those activities that differ from the organic programme may endanger the existence of the ecological system.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

PIGS

From the 20th century to the present time pig breeding is dominated by the rapid growing and intensive meat type pig species. Taste, quality and keeping quality of the meat of the new species have been deteriorated a lot. This was resulted by the intensive indoor management technology, medicines, growth promoters and feed with residue content. Residue is increasingly detected from pork or the processed products. At the same time the popular, good quality and long lasting dry pork products are missing from the market. The above mentioned problems are missing from the organic pig farming so there will be significant changes in the keeping methods in the future.

Organic pig farming has mainly purebred characteristics. Inbreeding should be avoided when mating the same species because it has negative effects to the animals’ organization strength, resistance, the production performance (impregnational results, number of the born piglets, reimpregnational rate, etc.), quality and quantity of the meat.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

In order to obtain better effects, cross breeding is used recently in the case of farm animals that results in heterosis of the hybrid animals. Heterosis provides stronger resistance for animals and gives the possibility to produce low-fat salami that is so popular among consumers nowadays.

The indigenous pigs, for example the Mangalitza in Hungary, and their cross bred with meat type species are the most suitable for organic farming. Mangalitza is used for cross breeding in more and more countries in the world today.

The pork and other meat products of the organic pigs contain much more omega-3 fatty acid than those ones raised with the intensive keeping.

The basic rules of the organic pig farming are that the general condition of the animals should be good and they should be provided natural keeping conditions.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Tethering of sows is not allowed in organic pig farming. Physical castration of boar piglets by an expert is allowed with causing as little pain as possible and if the hygienic rules are kept. Enough space shall be provided to the mixed aged pigs to eat, drink and rest without fighting with each other. Natural ventilation shall be provided for the housing of the fattening pigs and sows.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

In hot summer animals should be sprinkled with water and 0.1 m/sec airflow should be provided for them. In winter, bales of straws can be used for heat insulation. Winter farrowing shall be avoided if the insulation of the housing is insufficient since artificial heating is not allowed in organic pig farming.

Organic pigs farming spend most of their life in the pasture because they enjoy themselves there: they may roam freely, graze their natural feed and rest anywhere and anytime they want. For this optimal condition the pasture should be maintained: poisonous and prickly plants shall be eradicated and controlled grazing shall be used. If turf management is provided, the grazing or rooting pigs will not get hurt, poisoned or infected by parasites. Usually gorged pigs like rooting. In order to preserve the good condition of the pasture, grazing time should be scheduled to the morning and late afternoon. Wallowing is one of the most favourite activities of pigs. It allows them to cool off and to protect themselves from parasites and flies. It is recommended to establish an artificial wallowing place. A mobile housing can be a good protection for animals if the weather is too hot or rainy.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

If the last three month of the pig fattening was carried out indoors in the case of organic animal farming system, then a deep littered building can provide sufficient comfort and cleanliness. The animals tolerate even the hard winter if they are kept in herds of 30-50 pigs and 1.2-1.5 m2 area per animal and 0.5-1 kg straw are provided for them. In order to produce some compound manure, some wood shavings and organic waste shall be added to the straw litter. All kinds of feed that meet the requirements listed in the general part are suitable for feeding pigs.

Pig keeping shall be based on grazing except fattening. In the case of non grazing pig keeping, roughage (fresh or dried hay or grass) or silage must be provided continuously. Animal origin feed materials are allowed to be fed if they meet the requirements of organic animal farming. The premium quality and optimal quantity feed play a very important role in disease prevention.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Organic pigs can be slaughtered after the age of 9 months and if the live weight reaches 120 kg (optimal slaughtering weight of Mangalitza is 180 kg and in the age of 1.5 years). Animal transport before slaughtering shall meet the requirements of the animal protection rules. The use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the animals is prohibited. In the case of animal transportation the identification of each animal is essential.

When processing organic products only those food additives and procedures shall be used that are permitted in the standards. Salting, smoking and marinading shall be used to preserve pork and meat products.

Organic pork, ham and other meat products are very popular both in the domestic and foreign markets.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

POULTRY

Poor quality poultry products come from intensive keeping cannot be overcome yet in the market by poultry products come from organic poultry farms. The reason for this is that poultry products come from intensive keeping became a cheap dominating product in mass nutrition.

The results of the variety conservation programmes let the indigenous and dual purpose chicken breeds, landrace turkeys, guinea fowls and different water fowls survive. The meat of these kinds of poultry is much healthier than those ones involved in the intensive keeping. The open housing poultry also has premium quality meat and eggs. The products that come from an organic poultry farm can be marketed at a higher rate and they provide premium quality. There is a constantly growing demand for increasing quantity, branded and organic poultry products. With this the quantity and the export range of quality poultry products expand.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Indigenous poultry species usually grow slow so blood drop interbreeding is often carried out with species that has stronger muscles and grow faster after they have been involved into organic farming. With this method the best hybrids can be selected for organic farming.

The organic farming of the poultry sector has a strong effect on sustaining the balance of the agricultural production systems, increasing the organic substance of the soil and providing nutriment for plants. Landrace poultries provide the preparation of soil, parasitic weeds and pestiferous control and fertilization of the soil.

Mutilation in organic poultry farming is forbidden (trimming of beaks and claws etc.). Neutralizing of animals (for example caponizing) is allowed if a special product is produced and if it is done by an expert who keeps the concerning rules.

The age for slaughter in the case of poultry is strictly regulated (see general part).

Day old chicks shall be purchased from controlled and licenced hatcheries if the preventive animal health treatments have been done.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

The aim of the organic poultry farming is not the maximum output but to produce a premium quality and fiber rich product with a traditional taste. This can be attained with open housing management and traditional feed. An outdoor management shall be provided for poultry with green vegetation and natural ground for scratching about.

Health damaging and irreversible fattening methods are forbidden (for example force feeding).

Organic poultry shall be fed by organic farming feed if possible. Up to 30% of the feed formula of rations on average may comprise in-conversion feedingstuffs. When the in-conversion feedingstuffs come from a unit of the holding itself, this percentage may be increased to 60%. At least 65% of the feed shall be consisted of cereal fodder: wheat, corn, barley and oat. The daily ration shall be completed with fresh or dried hay came from organic farming.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Housing for all species of livestock should satisfy the biological needs of the animals. The run shall be protected against predatory animals. Water fowls shall have an easy access to a water surface with an appropriate size for the density. Mobile housings are very useful when the stock is moved to a new pasture. Adequate numbers of drinking and feeding troughs shall be provided in the runs and at the pastures.

In the case of laying hens natural light may be supplemented by artificial means to provide a maximum of 16 hours light per day with a continuous nocturnal rest period without artificial light of at least six hours.

According to the animal health regulations, buildings shall be emptied of livestock between each batch of poultry reared. The buildings and fittings shall be cleaned and disinfected during this time. Grass rotation should be applied in order that the vegetation still can grow back and the sun can disinfect the soil.

The organic poultry shall be slaughtered only in slaughter houses with EU standards and export certification. Packaging and storing are also permitted at these places. The products shall be labelled with organic origin trade marks.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

A record shall be made of organic poultry and kept at the holding that can be checked by a control body anytime. The record shall contain the followings: •the received animals by species•the dispatched animals by species•the number and reason of animal loss per day•detailed descriptions of preventions, treatments and veterinary procedures•the feeding system and the detailed information of its irregular function

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

HORSES

Horses cannot be ignored when organic farming is mentioned. The main principle is that horses shall be kept according to their biological and behavioural needs in a horse box without tethering. If tethering is inevitable then let the horse some free area to move, possibility to lie down or get up and free access to feed and drinking water. Horses should be groomed and cared according to their breed characteristics. Shoeing and hoof care shall be done without coerce. Daily regular moving of horses is essential.

Horses shall be fed with high quality meadow hay. In order to complete their diet, alfalfa, mowed grass, green leafy corn stalk, fodder beet or sugar beet should be fed. The best provender for horses is oat.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Grazing is essential for horses in every agegroups in every season. Trees, shady resting places and water troughs shall be provided at the pastures.

Attention shall be paid in order not to cause injuries when riding and carriage driving. A very special attention shall be paid if the mare has a colt.

The most common animal health treatments for horses are the treatments against tooth and hoof parasitic infestations. These treatments shall be carried out with patience and without cause of suffering for the animal. The lack of moving may cause muscle stiffness. In the case of this disease the horse must be stopped immediately and a massage should be given to its gluteal muscle until the veterinary arrives. "Colic" is the disorder of the digestive organ. In this case the horse is made to move and the veterinary shall be called immediately.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

SHEEP

Sheep is an animal species that adapts well to organic farming. Sheep spend most of their life on the pasture except when fattening. Organic sheep farming has many effects on environmental protection. Dehorning, mutilation and tethering of sheep are prohibited in organic farming. Sheep shall be kept without tethering both indoors and outdoors. Sheep shall have an easy access to drinking and feeding troughs.

In the case of fattening, sheep can be kept indoors up to three months. Shady resting places and housings against extreme weather conditions shall be provided for sheep at the pasture.

The annual selective breeding of the animal stock improves the milk production of ewes, the twin birth tendency and lamb rearing ability. Artificial insemination is permitted but embryo inplantation and other artificial interventions are prohibited.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Sheep is the one of the herbivorous animals that can be pastured the longest time. If necessary, wasteproduct can be fed as complementary feed. The most optimal grass for sheep is the sprouts (10-15 cm tall) mixed with leguminous crops (15-20%). Sheep shall be fed with roughage and grain feed come from organic farming. In feeding, there is a difference between the age groups and biological needs (for example: pregnancy, lactation etc.) of sheep.

In organic sheep farming everything shall be recorded: indoor/outdoor management, pasture exchange, residence exchange of the animals, birth, age group change, fattening, marketing, slaughtering classification etc.

Meat and meat products come from organic animal farming should be marketed as trade mark products.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

GOATS

The German fawn goat, the Saanen goat, the Alpine ibex and the Boer goat are the best goat species for organic animal farming purposes. Goats can be kept both outdoors and indoors. The freedom of movement shall be provided for goats every time. Animals shall be marked permanently and every event shall be recorded. The records of the production details (butterfat and milk protein content of the daily milk) and breeding information (birth date, animal yield, sex, mating date, the number of the mating he-goats etc.) have great influence on the breeding value.

It is very important in organic goat farming that only those milk and meat products shall be considered as organic that come from a fully converted farm.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

Goats like varied plants so pastures with the plant flora of bushes, trees, grass and leguminous crops shall be provided for them. The daily feed of goats shall consist of at least 60% roughage. Both fresh and dried chemical free foliage can be fed. The organic feed for the goat shall be consisted of 6-8 different kinds of feed. The organic goats’ milk, meat, fat and milkproducts (butter, kephir, yoghurt, sweet whey, urdă, cheese and cottage cheese) are trade marked, premium quality, healthy and easily digested human nutrition. In many cases these products are consumed as a complementary foodstuff of medicines.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

BEES

In bee keeping, chemicals that can be harmful for the products have partly exogenous and partly endogenous origins. The sources of the pollution outside the hive are: industrial emission (flue gases, dust), heavy metals from traffic (lead, cadmium) and chemicals from the agricultural activity settle on plants and animals (pesticides, artificial fertilizers).

Substances (mostly acaricides) used for protection by the apiarists inside the hives highly impact the bee products (honey, propolis).

One of the important tasks of the organic bee keeping is to stop or minimize the harmful chemical effects. Protection from exogenous poisoning can be attained if the isolation distance is kept (minimum 3.5 km) from the polluting source. Apiarists have no protection against acid rains, their effects may show up through plants only. The applied bactericides, fungicides and acaricides inside the hives may cause contamination. Bee pastures are the flowers of the trees and other different plants. For good honey yield, hives shall be established near huge fields of blooming plants where no exogenious pollution exists.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3

The hives shall be opened when the weather gets warmer so the uncovered broods are not exposed to cold and most of the bees are away for collecting honey. In organic beekeeping colonies are not exploited. If complementary feed is needed for bees then patties are fed. Bees drink plenty of water. Apiarists usually place zeolite pieces into the bees’ drinking troughs in order that bees can fly onto them or can consume them as trace material.

In organic beekeeping essential oils and organic acids (formic acid, acetic acid and lactic acid) are used to protect against mites.

Advices for beekeepers:•avoid using queen excluders;•clipping of the wings of the queen is forbidden;•robbing of hives must not cause starvation of the colony;•do not extract honey frames with brood in them;•the honey from an organic apiary is pure and does not contain sugar.

Organic honey and organic honey products are the healthiest foodstuffs of the mankind.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

Does the EU control the technology of organic animal farming?a)yesb)noc)partlyd)according to the EU it is uninportant

How long can calves be allowed to keep in cages?a)it is prohibitedb)until weaningc)until the age of 1 monthd)until the age of 1 week

How many m2 area do breeder bulls need indoors?a)it is not determinedb)10m2

c)25 m2

d)5 m2

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

How many geese can be kept in a poultry housing?a)1850b)500c)2500d)as many as can go in

What sort of salt is allowed to use?a)KClb)sea salt or rock saltc)MgCld)it is not controlled

Is vaccination allowed in organic animal farming?a)yes, in the case of some definite diseasesb)noc)it is up to the veterinaryd)yes, it is allowed in every cases

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

Can those products be considered organic that made from organic milk?a)nob)partlyc)only the yoghurtd)yes

What can be used best for thermal insulation in pig housings?a)brickb)hayc)manured)draught

9. Is physical castration of roosters allowed?a)yesb)noc)periodicallyd)in winter

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

The disease called ’colic’ show up in the species of…a)sheepb)cattlec)beesd)horses

Question 10

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

SOLUTIONS

1)a2)d3)b4)c5)b6)a7)d8)b9)a

10)d

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

REFERENCES•Radics L. (2001): Ökológiai gazdálkodás. Dinasztia Kiadó, Budapest. 245-316 p.•Seléndy Sz. (2013): Gyakorlati biogazdálkodás 1. Mezőgazda Kiadó – Biokontroll Hungária, Budapest. 149 p.•Seléndy Sz. (2005): Ökogazdák kézikönyve. Szaktudás Kiadó Ház, Budapest. 276 p.•Ewbank R., Kim-Madslien F., Hart C. B. (1999): Management and Welfare of Farm Animals. Halstan & Co Ltd, Amersham, Bucks, UK.297 p.•Ángyán J., Menyhért Z. (1997): Alkalmazkodó növénytermesztés, ésszerű környezetgazdálkodás. Mezőgazdasági Szaktudás Kiadó, Budapest. 349 p.•Radics L. (2002): Ökológiai gazdálkodás II. Szaktudás Kiadó Ház, Budapest. 638 p.•Eriksen S., Hansen B. S., Schmidt K., Suhr K. (2010): Organic Farming. Organic Agriculture College at Kaloe, Denmark. 180 p.

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

REFERENCES•http://www.biokontroll.hu/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1597:az-oekologiai-allattartas-szabalyai&catid=109:allattartas&Itemid=43&lang=en

•http://www.nyugatbio.hu/eloadasok/letoltesek/fiatal-gazda/az_okologiai_allattartas_alapjai.pdf

•http://www.pointernet.pds.hu/ujsagok/agraragazat/2010/12/20110124170701356000000585.html

•http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/food/f86000_hu.htm•http://www.ostermelo.com/rovatok/%C3%A1llatteny%C3%A9szt%C3%A9s/167-a-hazai-%C3%B6kol%C3%B3giai-baromfitart%C3%A1sban

•http://www.okogarancia.hu/pdf/cikkek/ostermelo_2012-4.pdf•http://genmegorzes.hu/agr%C3%A1r%C3%B6kol%C3%B3giai-%C3%A9s-g%C3%A9nmeg%C5%91rz%C3%A9si-kutat%C3%B3csoport.html

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

REFERENCES•http://www.szaktudas.hu/termekek+okologiai_gazdalkodas+okologiai_gazdalkodas_mestergazda.html

•http://www2.konyvtar.univet.hu/regi/ugro/links/okologiai.htm •http://www.biokontroll.hu/cms/images/stories/szakcikkek/letoltesek/okologiai_gazdalkodasrol_gazdaknak_kozerthetoen.pdf

•http://www.infonet-biovision.org/res/res/files/488.OrgFarm.pdf•http://www.infonet-biovision.org/res/res/files/488.OrgFarm.pdf•http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/•http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/09-077.htm•http://www.soilassociation.org/whatisorganic/organicanimals•http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/organic_production/organic_livestock.html•http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5102526

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

REFERENCES•http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/consumer-trust/animal-welfare/index_en.htm

•http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/free-range-organic-meat-myth/

•http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/237831/organic-livestock-production-and-marketing.pdf

•http://www.princeton.edu/greening/organic4.htm•http://www.effab.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TksXlnkYu0Q%3D&tabid=204&mid=668

•http://www.infonet-biovision.org/default/ct/242/animalKeeping•http://orgprints.org/3148/1/hovi-et-al-2004-2nd-SAFO-proceedings.pdf•http://emajmagazine.com/2012/08/18/organic-farming-and-the-effects-on-animal-husbandry/

•https://www.gov.uk/converting-to-organic-farming

MODULE 6 PART II – LEVEL 3 TEST

REFERENCES•http://www.biokontroll.hu/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=181%3Aaz-oekologiai-allattartas-elirasai&catid=191%3Agyik&Itemid=96•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnIgwZxe0yw•http://www.m70.hu/hu/cikk/bio_allattartas/•http://www.gyulavarikastely.hu/index.php/bio-termeles/•http://jaszlajosmizse.hu/a-haztaji-haszon-allattartas-8-resz/•http://okofitnesz.hu/kihivas/biotejtermek•http://kereso.startlap.hu/index.php?q=bio+%C3%A1llattart%C3%A1s&start=144&num=12&sise=a&search=google&nhash=startlap_038ec53cc32d1cb75247d6664efe9be9_TURReU1ERTBNekF4TlRNMk1URTRNakEzTmprMk1USTJORFUzTVRRek9USTJOekV6TmpRNU9EZzBPVGMxTURnMk5EQTVNRE0x

MODULE 6 LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE