Organic livestock farming: An overview

Organic farming is a production system which avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. The basic objectives of organic farming are environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Organic livestock production focuses on cultural, biological and mechanical methods to ensure environmentally safe and chemical residue-free foods, along with high animal welfare standards. There are numerous reasons for preferring organic products and adoption of organic farming. These can be broadly categorized according to the benefit to different beneficiaries like Consumer benefits, Producer benefits, Environmental benefits and Social and economic benefits. The organic dairy sector continues to be a fast-growing segment as organic milk gives a feeling of safety and environmental protection to consumers, and the global demand for organic products is creating a new export opportunity for developing countries. Now a day, quality and health-conscious consumers are increasing and they need environmentally safe, chemical-residue-free healthy foods, along with product traceability and a high standard of animal welfare. The review can be helpful for researchers and decision-makers to the export demand for livestock products it is necessary to provide inputs to the organic farmers in the form of technical knowledge how to certify which is mandatory in organic production system.