Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Breeding
Breeding includes the choice of suitable performance parameters (breeding goals/traits), ways
to combine performance information (e.g. selection index), selection of animals to reach
breeding goals and the respective breeding techniques (e.g. natural mating, artificial insemi-
nation [AI]).
There is little literature is available concerning organic animal breeding. However, some of
the issues associated with breeding were addressed in a NAHWOA workshop (Hovi and Baars
2001), and Boelling
et
al
. (2003) and Pryce
et
al
. (2004) have presented overviews about the
subject. A network on organic animal breeding, Gesellschaft für Ökologische Tierhaltung
(Society for Ecological Animal Husbandry), was founded in Germany in 2003, resulting in
three workshops for cattle, pig and poultry research (http://www.zs-l.de). Nauta
et
al
. (2003)
published the results of a discussion on organic animal breeding in the Netherlands. Accord-
ing to these authors, most ideas about alternative breeding methods were developed for dairy
cows. Conventional animal breeding has been well researched and some of the knowledge
gained from this work can have application in organic agriculture.
IFOAM standards and EU regulations stress the importance of maintaining and conserv-
ing genetic diversity. According to these guidelines, preference should be given to indigenous
breeds and strains as they are well adapted to local conditions. According to IFOAM stand-
ards, breeds should have good resistance to disease. The EU regulation regarding disease resist-
ance is more specific: 'Selection should avoid specific diseases or health problems with some
breeds or strains used in intensive agriculture' (EUR-Lex 1999), including issues such as pale,
soft, exudative (PSE) meat in pigs, sudden death, difficult births.
Another point connected with breeding is the origin of animals. According to organic stand-
ards, livestock obtained from off the farm should be from organic farms. This can be difficult
as many breeding companies or hatcheries work conventionally. However, some animals may
come from conventional farms to enlarge the genetic pool. The EU regulation says: 'For supple-
menting natural growth and renewal of the herds, a maximum of female nulliparous animals of
10% of equine and bovine species and of 20% of adult porcine, ovine and caprine species per
year is allowed (up to 40% when a major extension is undertaken or a breed changed or endan-
gered)' (EUR-Lex 1999). In practice, mostly male breeding animals are bought from conven-
tional farms in the case of ruminants or pigs, and females are mainly reproduced at the farm.
Problems with conentional breeds
High yielding breeds are selected for specialised performance (e.g. milk, growth rate, meat
quantity, eggs). Such unidirectional high performance could stress the organism, for example
through metabolic stress (Olesen
et
al
. 2000). High-yielding animals are often very sensitive to
management changes or mistakes. Performance-related health problems are common;
examples include leg problems and metabolic disorders in meat poultry and fattening pigs,
mastitis in dairy cows or diseases of the reproductive organs in laying hens and breeding sows
(e.g. Hörning 1997 2000, Rauw
et
al
. 1998, Postler 2002). Furthermore, high performances can
only be realised with a high amount of concentrates. With regard to the world hunger problem,
organic farming should aim to reduce feeding farm animals with concentrates because of a
competition with human food.
An aim of organic agriculture is to keep breeds that are less vulnerable to diseases or man-
agement mistakes. This may result in a trade-off between 'hardiness' and productivity. Another
possibility is not to exploit the full genetic potential of a high-yielding breed by feeding a feed
ration with a lower nutrient content. However, this is not advisable for all classes of animals. It
may work with dairy cows or fattening pigs. For example, Holstein Friesians normally are fed
fewer concentrates in organic agriculture. Some health problems may arise, mainly with
