Organic Dairy Cattle Breeding in Turkey: A Review

Abstract

Organic animal breeding means the production of certified animal products by considering the well-being of animals without damaging the environment and without using any pesticide in a controlled manner. All aquaculture activities other than organic farming can be defined as conventional farming. Organic animal production has increased significantly annually over the past decade in the world. Dairy cattle production is examined with particular focus on the possibilities of improving the sustainability of ruminant systems and on the possible role of organic production to meet the demand of sustainability. Organic dairy cattle production can improve animal welfare, protect the environment and sustain rewarding rural life styles. Future of organic dairy cattle production will have to rely on continuous search for alternatives in nutrition, disease prevention and control that are environmentally friendly. Understanding organic dairy cattle farming from economic, ecological and animal welfare perspectives will increase the likelihood of success. In the current study, besides the basic principles of organic dairy cattle breeding that is a quite popular branch of business in recent years, the current state, weaknesses and strengths of organic dairy cattle breeding both in Turkey and the world and how organic dairy cattle breeding can be developed are discussed.