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Evaluating the whole production chain: A need for organic production research

Abstract:

Organic farming promotes the multiple aims of providing good quality feedstuffs, appropriate livestock husbandry systems and correct management practices to promote animal health and welfare. However, benefits of organic systems are primarily related to environmentally-friendly production and to animal welfare, whereas issues pertaining to animal health and product quality are more influenced by the specific farm management than by the production method. Thus, there is a general agreement in the scientific community for the need to evaluate the whole production chain in a holistic production such as organic farming. In order to comply with principles of organic production and consumers' expectations, a research strategy based on biological indicators, farm inspections, questionnaires, secondary data and different levels of assessment is needed. This chapter reviews what has been scientifically proven in linking animal health, husbandry practices and resultant food product quality. This document addresses critical obstacles not strong enough to escape from this need-driven research, which at present are still limited, but where extrapolations from conventional system research are inacceptable. Finally, we also present the benefits of this integral research for a better knowledge of the current status of organic production and the potential to improve the organic product quality. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.