The use of plant bio-active compounds and other alternative therapeutic strategies in organic dairy farming

Summary

Under organic legislation farmers are encouraged to use natural methods to keep animals healthy. In addition to appropriate breed, feed, balanced productivity, environmental management and hygiene, this includes the use of homeopathy, phytotherapy and minerals, providing they are effective. Since the general ban on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003) there has been a rise in the availability of botanical feed additives and complementary feeds. Ethnoveterinary use of herbal medicine is still prevalent in several countries in Europe. Veterinary drugs based on herbs are also available though the number of products is declining. This chapter reviews the dairy health issues for which natural products are used as well as the current scientific basis for these products, knowledge gaps and how these might be addressed.