Document type: scientific review published in Organic Agriculture
Authors: Wagner, K., March, S., Haager, D., Brinkmann, J.
Abstract in French (translation):
Is organic livestock farming more respectful of animal welfare than conventional livestock farming? – A systematic review of the literature on animal health, welfare, and management
Organic farming is widely regarded as a livestock system that respects animals and promotes their welfare. However, very little information is available on the actual situation to determine whether organic farming is more conducive to animal welfare than conventional farming. For this reason, the authors of this article conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review using various databases.
Eighty-six peer-reviewed studies published between January 1990 and June 2023 were included, representing 623 comparative pairs. For all common livestock species and production types in Europe and North America, the results did not clearly show whether organic farming had a more positive effect on individual animal welfare than conventional farming. The comparative studies evaluated focused primarily on individual aspects of animal welfare (e.g., animal health) and mainly involved dairy cows.
No fundamental differences were found in terms of animal health, with the exception of hoof and leg health (in cattle and pigs). This suggests that management-related factors are more important than the farming system itself. Organic farming showed advantages over conventional farming in 28% of the comparative pairs; in 56% of cases, no clear difference could be observed.
The literature review showed that, although organic farming has the potential to achieve good levels of animal welfare (e.g., regarding lameness), it may not be beneficial if accompanied by suboptimal management (e.g., regarding pasture pests). To ensure animal welfare s under organic certification, a transparent, standardized, and feasible animal welfare audit framework should be implemented, using animal-based indicators.
Preview:
Organic farming is widely regarded as an animal-friendly husbandry system that promotes animal welfare. However, very little information is available on actual conditions that can answer the question of whether organic livestock farming is more welfare-friendly than its conventional counterpart. Therefore, the authors of this paper conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review using various databases.
Eighty-six peer-reviewed studies published between January 1990 and June 2023 were included, comprising 623 comparative pairs. Across all common livestock species and production types in Europe and North America, the results did not provide a clear picture of whether organic farming has a more positive effect on individual welfare outcomes than conventional farming. The comparative studies evaluated focused primarily on individual aspects of animal welfare (e.g., animal health) and predominantly on dairy cows.
No fundamental differences were found in animal health except for hoof and leg health (in cattle and pigs). This indicates that management factors are of greater importance than the farming system itself. Organic farming showed advantages in 28% of the comparative pairs compared to conventional farming; in 56%, no clear differences could be found.
The literature review showed that while organic farming has the potential to achieve good standards of animal welfare (e.g., regarding lameness), it may not be beneficial if accompanied by suboptimal management (e.g., regarding pasture parasites). In order to safeguard animal welfare within the context of organic certification, a transparent, standardized, and feasible animal welfare audit concept using animal-based indicators should be implemented.
