There’s an assumption that certified organically raised animals live happier, more natural lives. The reality, writes Michael Haedicke, is more complicated.
Government regulations for organic farming contain few specific protections for pigs, poultry and other animals raised for human consumption. So, conditions on organic farms may not actually be all that different from those at traditional livestock operations.
Source: The Conversation, December 13, 2019. Link.
Pigs and turkeys on some organic farms may well live their lives very differently from their conventionally raised cousins. But an “organic” label does not guarantee this.
INSIGHTS: There are many issues in ongoing debates and attempts to legislate animal welfare. It is important for animal health pros to stay abreast of the dialogue and put our scientific knowledge into play when possible.