Participatory Guarantee System - National Standards for Organic Production

Standard requirement for animal production

Conversion requirements

The whole farm, including livestock, should be converted to organic within the specified conversion period. Part conversion or parallel production is not allowed under PGS after 24 months. The minimum conversion period for all animals except poultry shall be not less than 12 months. The conversion period for poultry for egg production is 30 days. Chickens for meat purpose shall be fed only on organic diet from 2 days onwards after hatching.

Rearing environment

The management of animal environment shall ensure free movement, sufficient access to fresh air,
daylight, water, lying and resting place and protection against excessive sunlight, rain and wind etc. Mutilations in any form should not be resorted except for castrations, tail docking, dehorning, ringing and mule sing.

Breeds and breeding

Breeds should be chosen which are adapted to local conditions. Breeding goals should not be at variance with the animal's natural behaviour and should be directed towards good health. Reproduction techniques should be natural. Artificial insemination is allowed. Hormonal heat treatment and induced births are not allowed, unless applied for medical reasons under veterinary advice. Genetically engineered species or breeds are not allowed.

Animal Nutrition

The livestock should be fed 100% organically grown feed of good quality. All feed shall come from the farm itself or be produced within the region. Products from the organic feed processing industry shall be used. Colouring agents shall not be used in organic livestock production.

The following products shall not be included nor added to the feed given to farm animals:

• Synthetic growth promoters or stimulants
  
• Synthetic appetisers
  
• Preservatives, except when used as a processing aid
  
• Artificial colouring agents
  
• Urea
  
• Farm animal by-products (e.g. abattoir waste) to ruminants
  
• Droppings, dung or other manure (all types of excreata) even if technologically processed
  
• Feed subjected to solvent (e.g. hexane), extraction (soya and rape seed meal)
  
• Feed prepared with the addition of other chemical agents
  
• Pure amino acids
  
• Genetically engineered organisms or products thereof Vitamins, trace elements and supplements shall be used from natural origin when available in appropriate quantity and quality.

Veterinary Medicine

The well-being of the animals is the primary consideration in the choice of illness treatment. Natural medicines and methods, including homeopathy, ayurvedic, unani medicine and acupuncture, shall be emphasised. The use of conventional veterinary medicines is allowed when no other justifiable alternative is available. Where conventional veterinary medicines are used, the withholding period shall be at least double the legal period.

Use of the following substances is prohibited:

• Synthetic growth promoters
  
• Substances of synthetic origin for production, stimulation or suppression of natural growth
  
• Hormones for heat induction and heat synchronisation unless used for an individual animal against reproductive disorders, justified by veterinary indications Vaccinations shall be used only when diseases are known or expected to be a problem in the region. Legally required vaccinations are allowed. Genetically engineered vaccines are prohibited.

Source :

Dr. K. Chandra, Director, National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad.
Dr. Jagat Singh, Regional Centre on Organic Farming, Bangalore.

Updated on : Nov 2014