Abstract :
This review provides an assessment of research findings into the current practices and standards and the principles and
aspirations for organic dairy production, with respect to the health and welfare of the dairy cow. The relationships between
the four main factors: management, environment, genetics and nutrition and their impact on the health and welfare status of
organic dairy cows are considered. The concept that good animal health and welfare is more than merely the absence of
disease, with behavioural aspects of health and welfare such as physiological and psychological needs, is also discussed. These
factors are inter-related and important in all dairy systems, irrespective of whether the system is organic, low-input or intensive.
Incidences of individual clinical and sub-clinical diseases that are recorded in conventional dairy systems also occur in organic
dairy systems, with infertility, lameness and mastitis being the major problems. However, the magnitude of the incidence of
many of these diseases may be either lower or higher in organic systems due to different management practices and the
standards defined for organic milk production that, for example, prohibit the routine use of conventional medicines and require
the feeding of high-forage diets. In relation to different systems, it is important to note that contrary to a common assumption,
good welfare does not necessarily occur with more extensive systems. The type of organic system (self-sufficient, purchasedfeed)
also has the potential to have a major influence on the incidence of health problems and the reproductive status of
organic dairy herds. Health status is also influenced by environmental and welfare factors, including the method of rearing
replacement animals, type of housing and the geographical and climatic conditions of individual farms. Overall, this review
identifies where conflicts arise between current practice and the organic principles and standards, and aims to provide
suggestions to bring about further improvement in organic dairy health and welfare
