Organic livestock farming: the effects on animals, nature and the environment
About this expertise
In short- Contribution to national ambitions
- Scientifically substantiated insight
- Broad impact analysis
The Netherlands aims to have 15 percent organic farming area by 2030. WUR, together with partners, studies the impact of organic livestock farming, from animal welfare to environmental impact. We offer expertise in measuring, analysing and designing systems, and develop practi-cal solutions for livestock farmers to future-proof the organic sector.
In organic farming, natural behaviour, health and disease prevention are central. Wageningen University & Research develops practical solutions that reinforce these principles, but also explores where key problems and opportunities for improvement lie. For example, we look at how animals can optimally have more space and access to the outdoors. We also study how organic feeds - produced without chemical plant protection products and fertilisers - contribute to their welfare and vitality.
In addition, we develop profitable system innovations in livestock farming, keeping in mind societal desires. We create interactive designs at different scale levels and carry out integrated environmental impact analyses of (sub)systems. In this way, we make both positive and negative effects visible. We also focus on management strategies that help livestock farmers better support the natural needs of animals and reduce the risk of disease.
More information
Organic farming offers benefits for animal welfare.
- Animals will have more space to move and express their natural behaviour
- Organic livestock farming aims for animals to be outdoors as much as possible
- Animals are able to root, scavenge and perform other natural behaviours
- Organic animals receive fewer antibiotics and other drugs
- More spacious living conditions and avoidance of stressors contribute to improved well-being.
In particular, our researchers looked at organic dairy farming. This sector has a lower livestock density per hectare, uses less concentrated feed and does not use fertilisers and chemical pesticides. Conversion to more organic dairy farming is likely to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per ha. It will probably increase soil carbon sequestration, making agricultural soils more resilient to drought, wet periods and weather extremes.
According to figures from the Business Information Network (BIN), greenhouse gas emissions in organic dairy farming are one third lower per hectare and about the same per kilo of milk compared to conventional dairy farming. Due to a higher proportion of grass silage, less concentrated feed and less maize in the diet, methane emissions per kilo of milk from organic dairy farmers are higher, as are emissions of nitrous oxide. This is offset by lower energy use by the organic farmer.
Expansion of organic dairy farming can play a role in the extensification of agriculture around sensitive natural areas, such as Natura 2000 sites. Because organic farms emit less ammonia per hectare, they can help us escape the nitrogen impasse.
There are also obstacles associated with organic livestock farming.
- The slight increase in the demand for organic food
- The low availability of additional land for conventional farmers to convert to organic
- The low availability of organic manure and concentrated feed
- Innovation is needed for growth of organic sector, e.g. to facilitate and reduce labour input
Get in touch with our expert
Do you have a question about organic farming or opportunities to work with us? Please get in touch.
ir. G (Gerard) Migchels
Researcher Livestock Farming Systems