Congress Topic 3, Theme 7

Development of livestock production systems

Organic livestock production systems aim to provide the most optimal living conditions for farm animals under commercial conditions. In organic farming ’optimal’ is defined in terms of the animal’s need to perform natural behaviour, to enjoy good health, to be protected from situations which release fear, pain and discomfort and to be provided with a diet satisfying nutritional requirements.

At the same time, the livestock farmer has to make a living out of producing eggs, milk, meat or other livestock products. Farmers are faced with many dilemmas, and the way of solving these are often specific for the region and the farm. The diversity between organic livestock systems in Europe is enormous. However, many approaches to build up good and robust livestock farming systems can also be applied to other farms, or at least serve as an inspiration for new innovations and to those searching for the optimal husbandry system.

The following sessions are included in the theme:

• Key note lectures representing the three themes (sub plenum)
• System approach to sustainable organic livestock systems
• Diversity in organic livestock farming
• Final key notes on animal husbandry (sub plenum)

To make the best programme, we particularly look for contributions documenting sound organic livestock production systems under the many challenging conditions in EU, e.g.

• small ruminant systems in mountain areas,
  
• common grazing systems,
  
• intensive or extensive systems for all species,
  
• peri-urban farms or systems with mixed animal species,
  
• socio-economic perspectives on organic livestock farming under diverse conditions
  

all aiming to further improve organic animal husbandry and promote good animal health and welfare throughout Europe.

Congress Topic 3, Theme 8

Animal health and disease handling

An assessment of the status quo of organic animal production at the farm level suggests that the animal health and welfare outcome does not necessarily fulfil at all times the high consumer – or indeed animal’s expectations in this area. Improvements could be achieved through clear assessment of diseases risks, planning and implementing preventive and treatment strategies, and through health planning. Animal diseases will unavoidably occur in a livestock herd, and these have to be handled in accordance with organic principles, whereby the animals’ own abilities to reach balance and good health status again are supported in as many ways as possible.

We are particularly looking for contributions on:

• assessment of health and welfare status on organic farms,
  organic principles and practices in relation to disease prevention,
  
• the use of traditional and alternative treatment methods in organic herds
  
• the possible wider impact of veterinary treatments on the environment.
  
• the contribution of monitoring, inspection and certification systems in delivering real health and welfare improvements
  
• innovative approaches to animal health planning, in particular farmer participatory approaches.
  

Congress Topic 3, Theme 9

Organic animal products: quality and safety

Quality perceptions and definitions for organic livestock products vary widely between different actors, ranging from expected lower contamination with various contaminants and residues, the potential for higher nutritional qualities, traditional food products with different sensoric qualities to perceived risks for food safety through the absence of treatments on organic farms and through zoonotic diseases.

Allowing livestock access to the outdoors is a fundamental principle of organic production, giving animals the freedom to express their natural behaviour and offering health benefits. However, this exposes animals to the potential risk of environmental contaminates and wildlife vectors and zoonotic diseases.

We are particularly seeking contributions focusing on:

• the quality of organic livestock products,
  
• highlighting the diverse perspectives on food quality of livestock products from various stakeholders,
  
• research evidence to support claims of a different quality of organic animal products,
  
• the potential risks for humans and farm animals from zoonosis and for strategies how these risks can be minimised without restricting group life and outdoor access unduly,
  
• examples and perspectives on organic approaches to processing of food, e.g. on-farm processing of livestock products