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Imprint
Extensive evaluation of data sets generated under the Federal Organic Farming in terms of contributions of the grasslands and grazing to health and well-being of dairy cows in organic farming (Grazingcowhealth)
Project
Project code: 2812OE006, TI-OL-08-PID448
Contract period: 01.10.2013
- 31.12.2016
Budget: 88,286 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: Dairy cattle, Grazing, Animal health and welfare, Organic farming
The effects of grassland and grazing management on cow health and welfare in organic dairy farming in Germany have so far not been investigated. Using comprehensive and representative data sets generated within the Federal Organic Farming Scheme, it was therefore the aim of this study 1) to analyse the variability in grassland management and pasture use, 2) to identify the current grazing strategies and 3), to explore the effects of such strategies on health and welfare of organic dairy cows in Germany.
Data analysis did not reveal consistent effects on dairy cow health of either function of pasture use (e.g. main feed resource vs. outdoor run), the extent of time the cows actually spend on pasture or compliance with so called ‘pasture-milk’ label criteria. Also groups of farms with similar pasture strategy, which were identified on the basis of farm site and management data did not clearly differ regarding their animal health status. Differences in health state found between farms could be attributed to pasture use to a limited extent only. This indicates that other management factors are of greater importance than the mere access to pasture.
The study showed that pasture use of dairy cattle – as the provisions of the EC directive on organic farming – has potential to achieve good welfare states (e.g. regarding lameness and skin lesions). However, together with less than optimal management (e.g. regarding supplementary feeding) it may not be beneficial for other health areas such as metabolic or udder health. Outcome-based assessments should therefore be implemented in both organic farming as well as ‚pasture-milk’ labels in order to better consider and safeguard the health-related aspects of animal welfare.
The effects of grassland and grazing management on cow health and welfare in organic dairy farming in Germany have so far not been investigated. Using comprehensive and representative data sets generated within the Federal Organic Farming Scheme, it was therefore the aim of this study 1) to analyse the variability in grassland management and pasture use, 2) to identify the current grazing strategies and 3), to explore the effects of such strategies on the health and welfare of organic dairy cows in Germany. Data analysis did not reveal consistent effects on dairy cow health of either function of pasture use (e.g., main feed resource vs. outdoor run), the extent of time the cows actually spend on pasture or compliance with so called ‘pasture-milk’ label criteria. Also groups of farms with similar pasture strategy, which were identified on the basis of farm site and management data did not clearly differ regarding their animal health status. Differences in health state found between farms could only be attributed to pasture use to a limited extent. This indicates that other management factors are of greater importance than the mere access to pasture. The study showed that dairy cattle use of pastures - just as the provisions of the EC directive on organic farming - has potential to achieve good welfare status (e.g., regarding lameness and skin lesions). However, together with less than optimal management (e.g., regarding supplementary feeding) it may not be beneficial for other health areas such as metabolic or udder health. Outcome-based assessments should therefore be implemented in both organic farming as well as ‚pasture-milk’ labels in order to better consider and safeguard the health-related aspects of animal welfare.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Organic Farming
- Farm animal behaviour
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
