module 5 livestock production standard - squarespace · pdf filemodule 5 livestock production...

BioGro Organic Standards

04 MAY 2009

Module 5Livestock Production Standard

Incorporates:

– Cattle

– Dairy

– Sheep

– Poultry

– Deer

– Goats

– Horses

– Pigs

– Ratites, i.e. ostrich and emu

© COPYRIGHTThis document is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism,or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1994, no part of it may be reproduced by any processwithout prior permission of BioGro New Zealand Ltd unless BioGro New Zealand Ltd is cited as the source.

BioGro Organic Standards

This document replaces the BIO-GRO New Zealand Organic Standards, 30 April 2001: Module 4.1

The reasons for change are:

• regularreviewrequiredunderIFOAMaccreditation;

• incorporationofnotifiedchangessincethe30April2001Standardswerepublished;

• incorporationofotherchangesrequiredforongoingcompliancewiththeIFOAMBasicStandards,

theNZFSAOOAP,andoverseasmarketregulations;

• organicproductionsystemsarecontinuouslyevolving.

Thisdocumentmaybealteredatanytime.Itwascurrentatthedateintheheaderofeachpageofthe

document.ItisrecommendedthatanyoneintendingtousethisdocumentcontactBioGroorcheck

theBioGrowebsitewww.biogro.co.nztoconfirmthatthisisthecurrentversion.

Module 5 Livestock Production Standard

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04 May 2009

Table of Contents

1 Scope and purpose 5

2 References 5

3 Definitions 5

4 Production requirements 6

4.1 General 6

4.1.1 Quarantine area 6

4.2 Soilandfertility 6

4.2.1 Guiding principles 6

4.2.2 Recommendations 7

4.2.3 Requirements of the Standards 7

a. Soil management plan 7

b. Soil testing 7

c. Soil health 7

d. Composts and vermicast 7

e. Leaching 7

f. Nitrogen rates 8

g. Raw manures 8

h. Sewage by-products 8

i. Industrial by-products 8

j. Mulches 8

k. Biological activators 8

l. Permitted fertilisers 8

m. Restricted fertilisers 8

n. Fertiliser supply 8

o. Liquid fertilisers including vermicast liquids and compost teas 8

p. Sewage 9

q. Miscellaneous fertilisers 9

r. Burning vegetation 9

s. Salinization 9

4.3 Watersupplyandirrigation 9




a. Water source purity 9

b. Catchment 9

c. Optimal watering 9

d. Monitoring water 9

e. Regional plan and resource consents 10

f. Livestock drinking water 10

4.4 Pastureandfeeding 10




a. Feeding livestock 10

b. Intensive livestock farming 10

c. Seeds, seedlings and vegetative propagative materials 11

d. Weed management 11

e. Grazing 11

f. Milk 11

g. Silage preservatives 12

h. Mineral licks 12

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BioGro Organic Standards 04 May 2009

i. Stored feeds such as hay and silage 12

j. Supplements and vitamins 12

k. Compound feeds 12

4.5 Breeds,breeding,andincomingstock 14




a. Animal health plan and breeding systems 14

b. Conversion of existing stock and certification of offspring 14

c. Incoming certified livestock 15

d. Incoming conventional livestock 15

e. Certification of incoming conventional livestock 15

f. Conventional breeding stock 15

g. Chicks 16

h. Artificial insemination 16

i. Genetic engineering 16

j. Raising livestock 16

4.6 Housing and management 16




a. Intensive livestock farming 16

b. Shade and shelter 17

c. Disinfection 17

d. Artificial lighting 17

e. Stocking rate for laying hens 17

f. Poultry runs 17

g. Mutilations 17

h. Housing 17

i. Housing conditions 18

j. Treated timber 18

k. Construction materials 18

4.7 Livestockhealth,welfare,andtreatments 18




a. Livestock health plan 18

b. Statutory requirements 18

c. Shade and shelter 19

d. Provision of water 19

e. Herbal, naturopathic and homeopathic therapies and remedies 19

f. BioGro’s requirement to treat 19

g. Effect of treatment on certification status 19

h. Quarantine area regaining of certification 19

i. Tracing treated animals 20

j. Records of treated stock 20

k. Vaccinations 20

l. Specific diseases and remedies 20

m. Internal parasites 20

n. Ectoparasites and flystrike 20

o. Footrot 21

Table of Contents


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04 May 2009

p. Calf scours 21

q. Mastitis 21

r. Bloat 21

s. Facial eczema 21

t. Navel ill 21

u. Pre and post parturition treatments 21

v. Metabolic disorders 21

w. Mineral and trace element deficiencies 21

x. Hormones and growth promotants 21

y. Growth promotants 21

z. Poultry health 22

aa. Permitted cleaners for livestock buildings 22

ab. Restricted cleaners for dairy shed hygiene 22

4.8 Transportandslaughter 23


a. Pain and distress 23

b. Planning 23

c. Stock condition 23

d. Stock handling 23

e. Welfare 23

f. Duration of transport 23

g. Droving of stock 23

4.9 Livestockproducts 24

4.9.1 Principles 24


a. Meat processing 24

b. Wool and fibre 24

c. Milk 24

d. Eggs 24

Table of Contents

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04 May 2009

1 Scope and purpose

ThisBioGroStandardcontainstheproductionrequirementsandauditcriteriaforthecertification

andlicensingbyBioGroofproducersoforganiclivestockandlivestockproductstousetheBioGro

trademarksandlogos.Livestockincludescattle,sheep,dairyanimals,goats,pigs,poultry,ratites,

deer, and horses.

ThisBioGroStandardspecifiestheproductionrequirementsthatmustbefollowedbyall:

• producersoforganiclivestockandlivestockproductscertifiedbyBioGro;and

• producersoforganiclivestockandlivestockproductslicensedbyBioGrotousetheBioGro

trademarksandlogos.

AlllivestockandlivestockproductsbearingtheBioGrotrademarks/logosareproducedinaccordance

with this Standard.

InformationonBioGro,applyingforcertificationandtheuseoftheBioGrotrademarks/logoscan

beobtainedfromModule 1 Introduction and Module 3 Certification System.

InformationontheBioGrorequirementsforprocessinganddistributionoforganicproducecan

beobtainedfrom Module 13 Processing Standard and Module 14 Distribution Standard.

Theauditchecklists(availableonrequestfromBioGro)maybeusedforself-auditsinpreparation

forauditsbyBioGro.

2 References

Allrelevantregulationsandindustryrequirementsmustbecompliedwith.

3 Definitions

TheBioGrodefinitionsoftermscanbefoundintheBioGroStandardsModule 2 Glossary of Terms.

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4 Production requirements

4.1 General

Licenseesshouldcomplywithallrelevantandapplicableindustrycodesforbestlivestock

management and agricultural practices.

Theremustbealivestockmanagementplanforeachfarm.Thisplanmustincludesoilfertility,

pastureproduction,feeding,breeding,andanimalhealth.Theplanmustaddresshowalleffluents

aretobecollectedandmanaged.

Records,includingage,certificationstatus,andanytreatments,mustbekeptforallstock.

Noanimalsmustbekeptincages.Intensiveproductionsystemsthatdonotallowaccesstopasture

areprohibited.Alllivestockmustbeabletoexhibittheirnaturalbehaviour.Herdanimalsmustnot

bekeptindividually.

4.1.1 Quarantine area

Anareamustbeclearlydesignatedonthefarmmapthatcanbeusedasaquarantineareaifrequired.

Thisisadesignatedareaofthepropertywhereanytreatedstockandanyincomingconventional

stockcanberunforthedurationoftherequiredquarantineperiod.Ifthedesignatedareahasbeen

usedforquarantininginthelast12monthsthenitisclassedas“thequarantinearea”.After12

monthshaselapsedsincethelastuseofthequarantineareaforquarantining,thequarantinearea

regainsthecertificationstatusofthelowestcertificationstatuslandonthefarm.

Thequarantineareacannotbeusedfortheproductionofcertifiedcrops.Itcanonlybegrazedby

animalswhichwillnotbesoldformeatforatleast12months,orwillnotbeproducinganycertified

progenyorproductsforatleast6months,e.g.breedingsires,heifers,replacementewelambs.

Thequarantineareacanbeusedtomakesupplementaryfeedsuchashayandsilage,providedthe

feedingofthiscomplieswiththemaximumallowancesspecifiedinSection4.4.3iofthisModule.

It is in the interests of the producer to use interim animal health remedies, refer Module 2: Glossary

of Terms,thathavetheshortestpossiblewithholdingperiods,sothatthesmallestpossibleareais

requiredasaquarantinearea.

4.2 Soil and fertility

4.2.1 Guiding principles

Organiclivestockproductionsystemsmustaimtosustainandenhancethefertilityandlife-

supportingabilityofthesoil,includingitsbiological,physicalandchemicalcomponents.Emphasis

mustbeplacedontheimportanceofsoilorganicmatter,andsoilfloraandfauna,andonachieving

cyclesandflowsofnutrientsandorganicmatterwhichwillconserveandenhancesoilfertility

and humus.


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4.2.2 Recommendations

a. Soilmanagementonorganiclivestockfarmsisbasedonappropriatestockingratesand

sympatheticgrazingregimestominimisedamagetosoilstructureandtominimisecompaction.

b. Permanentpasturesshouldincludelegumesfornitrogenfixationandbewellmanagedinorder

toenhancesoilfertilitylevelsandsoilstructure.

c. Asthecommerciallivestockfarmsituationmayresultinnetexportofsomenutrientsinthe

products,replacementofnutrientsfromexternalsourcesmayberequired.Thetimingandmethod

ofapplicationofapprovedfertilisersshouldbedeterminedaccordingtosoiltype,stocktype,

climate, and weather conditions.

d. Wherethelandissuitable,mixedfarmingisencouragedwherelivestockarerunaspartofan

organicmixedfarmingrotationthatincludescropsandgrazedpasture.

4.2.3 Requirements of the Standards

a. Soil management plan

The management plan must include plans to minimise damage to soil structure and to minimise

soil compaction.

b. Soil testing

Regularsoiltesting,asspecifiedbelow,isrequiredto:

i. monitorfertilitylevelstoensurethattheoverallfertilityofthefarm’ssoilsismaintained

andenhanced;and/or

ii. determinewhethermineralsupplementationisnecessaryandappropriate;and/or

iii. determine the need for restricted fertilisers.

Herbagetestingmayalsobeusedtoevaluatetheneedfornutrientssuchastraceminerals,

butisnotanalternativetosoiltests.

Soiltest(s)fromatleastoneproductiveareaonthefarmarerequiredannuallyforC0,C1,and

C2properties.Annualteststhereafterarenotobligatory,butmayberequiredattheauditor’s

discretionifthereareconcernsregardingfertilitylevels.

Soiltestsmustalwaysincludetestsfororganicmatterlevels.

Soilandherbage/foliartestingmustbecarriedoutunderanISO17025accreditedlaboratorytest,

whereavailable.IfanISO17025accreditedlaboratorytestisnotavailableforthattypeoftest,

thenBioGrowrittenapprovalforthetesttobecarriedoutisrequiredforacceptanceunderthese

standards.

c. Soil health

Measuresofbiologicalfertilityandsoilstructuremustshoweithergoodorgenerallyimproving

levelsofthesesoilparameters.

d. Composts and Vermicasts

CompostsandvermicastsmaybemadeonthefarmorpurchasedfromBioGrocertified/approved

sources.Compostsandvermicastsmadeonthefarmmustbemadefromingredientssourced

fromcertifiedfarmsand/oringredientsselectedincompliancewith the BioGro Compost Guide.

Thecompostmusthaveheated,beenaeratedandmixed,andmaturedsufficiently,incompliance

with the BioGro Compost Guide.VermicastsmadefromlowriskingredientsapprovedbyBioGrodo

nothavetogothroughaheatprocess.

Managementofcompostsmustcomplyatalltimeswiththerequirementsofthelocalauthority.

e. Leaching

Leachinglossesfromstoredandappliedcompostsmustbeactivelyminimised.

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f. Nitrogen rates

Applicationratesofcompostalongwithotherfertiliseradditionsmustnotleadtoexcessivelevels

ofavailablenitrogen.Nitrogenappliedthroughtheuseofapprovedcompostsandfoliarfertilisers

shouldbenomorethanthatrequiredformaintenanceofpastureneeds,andasaguideshouldnot

exceed170kgnitrogenperhectareperyear.

g. Raw manures

Withtheexceptionofacertifiedproperty’sowndairyorpigeffluentfromthecertifiedareaand

certifiedlivestockbeingspreadontopasture,rawlivestockmanuresmustnotbeapplieddirectly

tosoils.Otherthanfortheaboveexception,rawlivestockmanures(includingthosefromthe

certifiedpropertyifcollected)mustbehotcompostedbeforeuse,refertothe BioGro Compost Guide.

h. Sewage by-products

Sewagesludgeorbio-solidsareprohibitedandmustnotbeapplieddirectly,orusedasan

ingredient in composts.

i. Industrial by-products

Foodandtextileindustryby-productsofbiodegradablematerial,i.e.ofmicrobial,plantoranimal

origin,freeofsyntheticadditives,maybeusedprovidedtheyarehotcompostedaccordingtothe

requirementsofthe BioGro Compost Guide.

j. Mulches

Whereavailable,mulchmaterialsmustbesourcedfromcertifiedfarms.Ifcertifiedmulchesare

notavailable,mulchesfromconventionalsourcesmaybeusedsubjecttothefollowing:

i. theymustnothavehadanyprohibitedsubstancesapplieddirectlytothem;and

ii. documentationmustbeobtainedfromtheproducertoconfirmthis;and

iii. theymusthaveBioGro-approvalpriortopurchase;and

iv. residuetestsmayberequired.

k. Biological activators

Thefollowingbiologicalactivatorsareallowedprovidingtheproductformulationsare

certified/approvedbyBioGro:

i. bio-dynamicpreparations;availablefromtheBio-DynamicFarmingandGardening

AssociationandotherBioGrocertified/approvedsuppliers;

ii. microbialactivators;and

iii. plant-basedpreparations.

l. Permitted fertilisers

Refer Appendix B.

m. Restricted fertilisers

Refer Appendix B.

n. Fertiliser supply

FertilisersshouldbeobtainedfromaBioGrocertified/approvedsupplierwhereavailablelocally.

Ifnot,theneveryeffortmustbemadeanddocumentedtoensurethatanybrought-inmaterials

complywithallrequirementsoftheBioGroStandards.IffertilisersarenotobtainedfromaBioGro

certified/approvedsupplierthenparticularattentionmustbepaidtopotentialcontaminationfrom

thesourceorduringstorageortransportbyprohibitedfertilisers,heavymetals,pesticides,animal

healthremedies,andotherprohibitedchemicals.

o. Liquid fertilisers including vermicast liquids and compost teas

LiquidfertilisersmaybemadeonthefarmorBioGrocertified/approvedproductscanbeused.

Ifliquidfertilisersaremadeonthefarmthenevidencemustbeprovidedthatallingredients

complywiththerequirementsofthisModuleandarenotcontaminatedwithprohibitedmaterials.


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04 May 2009

p. Sewage

Manurescontaininghumanexcrement,i.e.faecesandurine,areprohibited,andmaynotbe

broughtontothepropertyorusedasacompostingredient.

q. Miscellaneous fertilisers

Anyothermaterialsforfertilisationandsoilconditioningmustcomplywiththerequirements

oftheseStandardsandbecertified/approvedbyBioGropriortouse,referModule 22 Procedure

for Evaluation of Inputs.

r. Burning vegetation Landpreparationbyburningvegetationmustberestrictedtotheminimum.

s. Salinization

Relevantmeasuresmustbetakentopreventorremedysoilandwatersalinization.

4.3 Water supply and irrigation


Waterisregardedasavaluableresource.Goodqualitydrinkingwaterisessentialfororganiclivestock

production.


a. Watersourcesshouldbechosentoensureadequatesuppliesofuncontaminatedwater,and

wherenecessarywaterpuritytestsshouldbecarriedout.

b. Waterreticulationsystemsshouldbeinplacetoprovideadequatesuppliesofgoodquality

drinkingwaterforlivestockandavoidwastage,leaching,orwaterlogging.

c. Whereirrigationisusedforpastureproductionthenirrigationsystemsshouldbechosenwhich

providesufficientwatertosatisfysoilandpastureneedsonlyandavoidover-watering,leaching,

or waterlogging.


a. Water source purity

Wherethereispotentialcontamination,e.g.thecatchmentareaincludesconventionalhorticulture,

thenproofmustbeprovidedannuallythatirrigationwaterisnotcontaminatedwithanyrestricted

orprohibitedmaterials.RefertoAppendix A: Residue Levels in Certified Products, Water, Soil and Composts.

b. Catchment

InformationmustbesuppliedtoBioGrodescribingthecatchmentareaanddetailinganylikely

contaminationofwatersourceswithprohibitedmaterials.

c. Optimal watering

Irrigationsystemsmustbeefficientandeffectiveinsupplyingpastureneeds.Soilandpaddocks

mustnotexhibitsignsofexcessiveirrigation,namelyover-watering,leachingorwaterlogging.

d. Monitoring water

Optimumwaterusestrategiesmustbedemonstratedandsupportedbyanappropriatemethod

of monitoring.

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e. Regional plan and resource consents

WatersuppliesandusagemustmeettherequirementsoftheRegionalPlan,andwhererequired

haveacurrentresourceconsent.

f. Livestock drinking water

Drinkingwaterforlivestockmustbeofsatisfactoryqualityandsufficientquantity.

4.4 Pasture and feeding


Livestockshouldhavefreeaccessatalltimes,weatherpermitting,tograzeandrangeonland

containingawiderangeofpastureandbrowsingspecies.

Whererequiredlivestockshouldalsohaveaccesstosupplementaryfeedtoensurethattheywill

thrivewithminimalhealthproblems.

Alllivestockfeedshouldideallycomefromthefarmitselforfromanothercertifiedfarmintheregion.

Thelivestockshouldbefedinawaythatallowsthemtoexecutetheirnaturalfeedingbehaviour.


a. Plantmulti-speciespastures,ideallyherballeyswhichincludedeeprootingspeciessuchas

chicory.

b. Determinestockingratessothatalllivestockhaveadequatespaceforfeedingandadequate

grazing.Theuseofstripgrazingusingtemporaryfencingisnotrecommendedifitwilllead

tostressonthelivestock,andsoilpuggingandcompaction.

c. Wheresupplementaryfeedisusedinadditiontograzingthenatleast50percentofthis

supplementaryfeedshouldcomefromthecertifiedfarmitselforfromothercertifiedfarms

in the region.

Notethatassuppliesoforganicfeedincreasethisrecommendationwillbecomeastandard.

d. Supplementaryfeedcomprisesonlycertifiedandapprovedingredients.


a. Feeding livestock

Animalsmusthaveaccesstosufficientfeedtosatisfytheirneeds.Managementsystemsmust

ensuremaximumuseofpastureratherthantheuseofconservedorbrought-infeeds.

b. Intensive livestock farming

Factoryfarmingorintensivelivestockfarmingbasedonenclosureswithnopastoralaccessis

prohibited.Feedingpads,loafingpads,orbarnsmaybeusedforshortperiods:

i. inexceptionallywetweatherinordertoprotectthefarmsoilsfrompugging;or

ii. inexceptionallycoldweathertoprotectthelivestock;or

iii. to collect compost materials.


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c. Seeds, seedlings and vegetative propagative materials

Certifiedorganicseeds,seedlingsorvegetativepropagativematerialsmustbeusedwhereavailable

forpastureestablishment.

i. Ifcertifiedorganicseedorvegetativepropagatingmaterialisunavailable,thenseedand

vegetativepropagativematerialmaybetakenfromamotherplant(inthecaseofseeds)and

aparentplant(inthecaseofvegetativepropagatingmaterial)whichhavebeenproduced

undercertifiedconversiontoorganicproductionforatleastonegeneration,orinthecaseof

perennial crops, for two growing seasons.

ii. Ifneitherfullorconversionseeds,seedlingsorvegetativepropagativematerialsareavailable

thenconventionalsourcesmaybeusedprovidedtheyarenottreatedwithanyprohibited

materialsandthesupplierhasprovidedawrittenguaranteetoconfirmthis.

iii. TreatedseedcannotbeusedunlesspriorwrittenapprovalhasbeenreceivedfromBioGro.If

acertifiedgrowerisunabletosourceuntreatedseedfortherequiredvarietiesandwishesto

usetreatedseedthentheymustapplyinwritingtoBioGroforpriorwrittenapproval.Written

documentationmustbesuppliedfor:

• evidenceoftheunsuitabilityofothervarieties;

• evidenceoftheunavailabilityofuntreatedseed;and

• thecleaningprocedurewhichwillbeusedforthetreatedseed.

Notethatseedstreatedwithprohibitedmaterialscannotbeusedunderanycircumstances

forsomeexportcrops.

iv. Geneticallyengineeredvarietiesandseedsareexpresslyprohibited.

d. Weed management

Weedsmustbecontrolledbyappropriategrazingmanagementandbymaintainingavigorous

swardofdiversespecies.Mechanicalandthermalmethodsofweedcontrolarepermitted.

Introducedbiologicalcontrolagentsandbio-dynamicpreparationsandpeppersarepermitted.

e. Grazing and foraging

Certifiedstockgrazedoffthecertifiedpropertymustbegrazedonothercertifiedpasturesto

maintaintheircertification.Grazingmaybesoldtopasturecertifiedstock.Grazingofuncertified

stockissubjecttotherequirementsofsection4.5.3d.ofthisModule.

NotethatstockcertifiedtotheUSDANOPcanonlygrazeandforageonNOPcertifiedland.

NotethatdairyherdsconvertingtoUSDANOPcertificationcanonlygrazeBioGroC2landon

thatfarm(ienotBioGroC2landonotherfarms)andNOPcertifiedland.

NotethatstockcertifiedtoJASOrganiccanonlygrazeandforageonJAScertifiedland.

f. Milk

Youngmammalianlivestockmustreceivematernalfirstmilk(iecontainingcolostrum)orcertified

firstmilkfromtheirownspeciesforatleast3daysafterbirth.Theymustreceivematernalmilkor

certifiedmilkfromtheirownspeciesforatleasttherecommendedminimumperiod.Examplesof

recommendedminimumperiodsforsomeclassesofstockare:

• calves:3months;

• lambs:45days;

• kids:45days;

• piglets:40days;and

• fawns:10weeks.

BioGromayconsiderapprovingreducedperiodswheretherearingsystemusescertified/approved

supplementsandotherfeedsaswellasmilkinordertoproducewell-reared,hardylivestock.Such

approvalmustbeobtainedfromBioGroinwriting.

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g. Silage preservatives

Thefollowingsilagepreservativesarepermitted:

i. bacteriaandenzymeadditives;

ii. molasses;and

iii. salt.

h. Mineral licks

BioGrocertified/approvedminerallicksareallowed.

i. Stored feeds such as hay and silage:

Oncethefarmiscertifiedthenthefeedingplanmustbethatallstoredfeedssuchashayand

silage,whethermadeonthefarmorbroughtin,mustbecertifiedorganic.

NotethatstockcertifiedtotheUSDANOPcanonlybefedstoredfeedswhichareNOPcertified.

NotethatdairyherdsconvertingtoUSDANOPcertificationcanonlybefedstoredfeedmadeon

thatfarmduringtheBioGroC2year(iethefarmcannotcarryoverit’sownC1storedfeeds,and

cannotbringinC2feedfromotherfarms)andNOPcertifiedfeed.

NotethatdairyherdsinthefirstyearofUSDANOPcertificationcanonlybefedstoredfeed

madeonthatfarmduringthefirstBioGrofullorganicyear(iethefarmcannotcarryoverits

ownC2storedfeeds)andNOPcertifiedfeed.

NotethatstockcertifiedtoJASOrganiccanonlybefedstoredfeedswhichareJAScertified.

Atleast50%ofthelivestockfeed,includinggrazingandforagingandstoredfeeds,mustbe

producedonthefarmorincooperationwithotherBioGrocertifiedfarmsintheregion.Thismay

alsobeincooperationwithfarmscertifiedbyothercertifierssubjecttoBioGro’sapproval.

Storedfeedsfromuncertifiedsourcesarenotpermittedasaroutinepractice,butBioGromaybe

abletoconsiderapplicationstofeedalimitedpercentageofuncertifiedstoredfeedunderspecific

conditions for a limited time in the following cases:

• Unforeseenseverenaturalorman-madeevents;

• Extremeclimaticorweatherconditions;

• Certifiedfeedisofinadequatequantityorquality;

• Areaswhereorganicagricultureisinearlystagesofdevelopment.

Non-organicfeedmustbelessthan5percentdrymatterforruminantandlessthan15percent

drymatterfornon-ruminantcalculatedonanannualbasis.

Feedpurchasedfromuncertifiedsourcesmustnotcontainprohibitedsubstancesorgenetically

modifiedorganismsortheirderivativesandtheremustbedocumentationtoprovethis.

WrittenapprovalfromBioGromustbeobtainedpriortothepurchaseand/oruseofanyuncertified

feed.AnyapprovalfromBioGrotoallowsuchuncertifiedfeedwillbegrantedforalimitedtime,

usuallylessthansixmonths,untilitisexpectedthatcertifiedfeedwillbeavailableagain.

Approvalwillhavetheconditionthattheannualmanagementplanforthatfarmincludesthe

stepstakentoensurethatuncertifiedfeedwillnotberequiredinfuture.

j. Supplements and Vitamins

BioGrocertified/approvedsupplementsandvitaminsareallowed.

k. Compound feeds

Compoundfeedsforpoultry,pigs,ratites,andruminants:

i. The following ingredients are permitted in compound feeds:

• certifiedorganicingredients:grains,pulses,otherplantproducts,plantextracts,milkand

milkproducts;

• proteinsupplements:fishby-products,suchasfishmeal,withnoaddedsyntheticanti-

oxidantsorprohibitedadditives,subjecttosatisfactoryheavymetallevels;and

• naturalformsofvitaminsandmineralswhereavailable.


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04 May 2009

ii. ThefollowingingredientsarerestrictedandmayonlybeusedwithBioGro’swrittenapproval.

TherequesttoBioGroforapprovalmustincludethewrittenjustificationfortheirinclusionin

the feed:

• mineralsupplements;

• traceelements;

• syntheticvitaminsidenticaltonaturalvitaminsforlayerpulletsupto10weeksofageand

meatchickensupto2weeksofage,wherenaturalsourcesarenotavailableinsufficient

quantityandquality;and

• Fornon-ruminantlivestockonly–uncontaminatedmeat,bloodandboneproductsfrom

sourcesapprovedbyBioGro.Suchproductscannotbefedtothesamespecies,mustbe

guaranteedasbeingfreeofBSEandothercontaminants,andcanonlybeusedaspartofa

feedingregimeapprovedbyBioGro.

Ifmeatmealisusedinthefeedthenthoselivestockproductscannotbeexportedas

organictoUSAandEU.

iii. CertifiedingredientsmustbeBioGrocertifiedorganicwhereavailableinsufficientquantity

andquality.

• IfBioGrocertifiedorganicingredientsarenotavailableinsufficientquantityandquality

thenupto30percentofthefeedmaybeBioGrocertifiedconversioningredients,subjectto

marketrequirementsandpriorwrittenapprovalfromBioGro.

• IfinsufficientBioGrocertifiedorganicorBioGrocertifiedconversioningredientsare

available,thenonashorttermbasisBioGromayconsiderwrittenrequestsforapprovalto

useingredientscertifiedbyothercertifiers.

• IfcertifiedingredientsareunavailablethenBioGromayconsiderwrittenrequestsfor

approvaltouseuncertifiedingredientsonashorttermbasisforingredientscomprising

nomorethan5percentofthefeedforherbivores,andlessthan15percentfornon-

herbivores,subjecttomarketrequirementsandpriorwrittenapprovalfromBioGro..

iv. Forpoultry,atleast65percentofthefeedusedinthefatteningstagemustcontaincereals.

v. Thefollowingproductsmustnotbeincludedinoraddedtofeed,orinanyotherwaybegiven

to farm animals:

• artificialcolouringagents;

• alltypesofexcrementsincludingdroppings,dungorothermanureareprohibitedinthe

dietofallspecies;

• farmanimalby-productsandabattoirwasteproductssuchasmeatmeal,bonemeal,

andbloodproductstoruminants;

• feed,suchassoyandrapeseedmeal,thathasbeensubjectedtosolventextraction,

e.g.hexane,ortheadditionofotherchemicalagents;

• geneticallyengineeredorganismsorproductsthereof;

• preservatives,exceptwhenapprovedasaprocessingaid;

• pureaminoacids;

• syntheticappetisers;

• syntheticgrowthpromotersorstimulants;or

• ureaandothersyntheticnitrogencompounds.

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4.5 Breeds, breeding, and incoming stock


Healthproblemswillbeminimisedbyselectingappropriatebreedsandbreedinglivestockwhichsuit

the region, the farm, and organic production.


a. Selectbreedswhicharehardyandwellsuitedtotheregion,thefarm,andorganicproduction.

b. Selectbreedinglivestockfortheirsuitabilitytoorganicproduction,inparticulartheirresistance

tohealthproblems.

c. Aimtosourcebrought-inlivestockfromothercertifiedorganicfarms,preferablyinthesame

regiontoensuretheyaresuitedtoorganicproductionandthefarm.


a. Animal health plan and breeding systems

Iflivestockhealthproblemsareprevalentonthefarmthentheremustbeadocumentedbreeding

plantoreducethisproblem.Livestockbreedingsystemsmustbebasedonbreedsthatareableto

copulateandgivebirthnaturally.

Formeatchickenproduction,breedsselectedshouldbethosewhichsuitfreerangingand

organicproductionandwillmaturesatisfactorilywithouttheuseofprohibitedfeedingredients

and/orpractices.

b. Conversion of existing stock and certification of offspring

i. Stockonacertifiedpropertyatthestartofregistrationcannevergaincertificationfortheir

meat,butcangaincertificationduringconversionfortheirprogenyandproductssuchas

milkandwool.

DairyherdsconvertingtoUSDANOPcertificationmustbemanagedtotheNOPstandardsfor

atleast12monthsbeforetheherdcangainNOPstatus.Duringthatperiodtheymustonly

grazeNOPcertifiedlandandbefedNOPcertifiedfeed,excepttheymaygrazeBioGro

C2statuslandonthefarmtheybelongto,butnototherC2land.

BeefandsheepbreederstocktoproduceUSDANOPcertifiedprogenymustbemanagedto

theNOPandonNOPcertifiedlandforatleastthelastthirdofthegestationoftheirprogeny.

ii. Stockborntocertified(organicorconversion)livestockandrearedoncertifiedlandtakethe

samestatusastheloweststatuslandtheyarebornandrearedon.Ifstockarebornonto

andrunonconversionlandthenthestockcantakecertifiedorganicstatuswhentheland

completesconversionandbecomescertifiedorganic.

NotetherequirementforUSDANOPcertifieddairyherdsin(4.5.3b.i)above.

iii. Subjecttotherequirementsofsection4.5.3f.belowand/orsection4.7.3g.vii.,stockborn

ontocertifiedlandfromuncertifiedstock(eitherstockwhichwerebroughtonasconventional,

orstockwhichhavelostcertificationfor12monthsduetobeingtreated)cangainthecertified

statusofthelandatbirthprovidedtheuncertifiedmotherhasbeenonthecertifiedlandand

hermanagementhascompliedwiththerequirementsoftheStandardsfromatleastthetime

ofconceptiononwards.Theprogenycanberearedonthemother.Theprogenytakesthestatus

oftheloweststatuslandthatthemotherhasbeenonsincetheconceptionoftheprogenyand

thelanditisbornandrearedon.

NotethatthisisnotallowedfordairyherdscertifiedtotheUSDANOP.


15

04 May 2009

c. Incoming certified livestock

i. Conversion(C1orC2)livestockbroughtontoconversionlandwillretaintheirconversion

statuswhiletheyremainontheconversionland.Ifthelandtheyaregrazinggainsorganic

status,thentheywillretainconversionstatusfortheremainderoftheperiodthattheywould

haveremainedasconversionstatusonthepreviouspropertyorfor12months,whicheveris

the lesser.

ii. Conversion(C1orC2)livestockbroughtontocertifiedorganiclandwillretainconversionstatus

fortheremainderoftheperiodthattheywouldhaveremainedasconversionstatusonthe

previouspropertyorfor12months,whicheveristhelesser.

iii. Organiclivestockbroughtontoconversion(C1orC2)landwillbedowngradedinstatusto

conversion.SubjecttopriorwrittenapprovalfromBioGrotheselivestockcanreturntoorganic

land and regain organic status 3 months after returning to the organic land.

NotethatthisisnotallowedfordairyherdscertifiedtotheUSDANOP.

FordairyherdscertifiedtotheUSDANOPtherearesupplementaryrequirementsfor

bringingincertifiedlivestockfromothercertifiedfarms,includingotherfarmscertifiedto

theNOP.ThismustbeappliedforinwritingtoBioGro,andonlystockwhichqualifyunder

theNOPruleswillgainapprovaltobebroughtintothedairyherd.

d. Incoming conventional livestock

Forallconventionallivestockbroughtontocertifiedland,otherthanupto2-day-oldchicks,

thefollowingrequirementsmustbemet:

i. allsuchlivestockmustbeclearlyandpermanentlymarked;and

ii. alltreatmentsadministeredinthe3monthspriortotheirarrivalonthecertifiedproperty,

andanyinternalbolustreatmentsduringtheirlifetime,mustberecorded;and

iii. atleastdoublethewithholdingperiodmusthaveelapsedsinceanyanimalhealthtreatments

(includinginternalboluses)theyhavereceived;and

iv. theymustbequarantinedforatleast2daysonthequarantinepaddockofthecertifiedfarm;

and

v. thedatesofquarantiningmustberecorded.

e. Certification of incoming conventional livestock

Anyconventionalstock,otherthanupto2-day-oldchicks,broughtontoacertifiedpropertywillbe

restrictedtoPartialCertificationstatus.After12monthstheirprogeny(notetheexceptionstothis

insection4.5.3b.iii.above),fibre,milkorotherproductscanbecertified.Meatfromthisstockcan

nevergaincertification.

NotethatdairyherdscertifiedtotheUSDANOPcannotbringinanyconventionalstocktoadd

totheherdandreplacements,theycanonlybringinstocktoaddtotheherdandreplacements

fromotherNOPcertifiedfarmswhichqualifyundertheNOPrules,andonlysubjecttoBioGro’s

writtenapproval.

f. Conventional breeding stock

Femalebreedingstockmustideallybebredonthefarmorobtainedfromcertifiedsources.

Ifcertifiedbreedingstockarenotavailablethenamaximumof10percentofuncertifiedadult

femalebreedingstockofthesamespeciesmaybeabletobebroughtinduringanytwelvemonth

period,subjecttowrittenapprovalfromBioGro.Theseuncertifiedbreedingstockaresubjectto

sections4.5.3d.ande.above.Aderogationtothisrequirementcanbeappliedforwherethefarm

isundergoingasignificantchangeofmanagement,e.g.fromdairyfarmingtobeeffarming.

Breedingsiresmustbecertifiedwheresuitablesiresareavailable,otherwisesection4.5.3d.above

mustbecompliedwith.

16


Thepercentageabovedoesnotapplytoproductionunitswithlessthan10equine,bovine

orcervine(iefarmeddeer)animals,orwithlessthanfiveporcine,ovineorcaprineanimals.

Fortheseunits,anyrenewalislimitedtoamaximumofoneanimalperyear.

Theaboverequirementsarealsosubjecttomarketrequirements.

g. Chicks

Upto2-day-oldchicks(layerandmeat)maybebroughtinfromanysource.

h. Artificial insemination

ArtificialinseminationusingBioGrocertified/approvedsemenisallowed.Writtenapproval

mustbeobtainedfromBioGropriortousingnon-certifiedsemen.TheapplicationtoBioGromust

includeinformationonwhythecertified/approvedsemenoptionsaren’tsuitable,andawritten

declaration from the supplier of the semen that :

• Thebullisnon-GMOandnotcloned,and

• Thesemenpreparationdoesn’tcontainanyingredientswhichareGMOsoraretheproduct

ofGM/GE,andthatthemanufacturingprocessofthesemenpreparationdoesnotuseGM/GE.

Embryotransfersand/orotherreproductivemanipulationsareprohibited.

Artificialsynchronisationandinductionareprohibitedunlessappliedtoindividualanimalsfor

veterinaryreasons,andpriorwrittenapprovalisobtainedfromBioGro.

Cloningisprohibited.

i. Genetic engineering

Geneticallyengineeredbreedsandlivestock,andtheprogenyofgeneticallyengineeredbreeds

andlivestock,areexpresslyprohibited.

j. Raising livestock

Animalsmustberaisedorganicallyfrombirthapartfromtheexceptionslistedinthismodule

Section4.5Breeds,breeding,andincomingstock.

4.6 Housing and management


Adequatehousingshouldbeprovidedforthoselivestockthatrequirehousingtoensuretheirwelfare

andwellbeing.

Themanagementofalllivestockshouldenablethem,asfarasispossible,toexhibittheirnatural

behaviourandtoforage.


a. Provideclean,dryhousingwithadequatespaceforpoultry,pigsandotherlivestockrequiring

housing.

b. Providealllivestockwithadequatepasture,water,shade,andshelter.


a. Intensive livestock farming

Factoryfarmingorintensivelivestockfarminginenclosureswithnopastoralaccessisprohibited.


17

04 May 2009

AllplannedhousingmustbesubmittedtoBioGroforapprovalpriortoitbeingusedfororganic

production.Herdanimalsmustnotbekeptindividually.

b. Shade and shelter

Whereafarmhasinadequateshadeorshelterforlivestockthenadocumentedplanmustbe

in place to address this.

c. Disinfection

DisinfectionofhousingcanonlybedonewithmaterialsallowedintheseStandards.

d. Artificial lighting

ArtificiallightingtoprolongdaylightrequirespriorwrittenapprovalfromBioGro.Atotaldaylight

periodof15hoursmustnotbeexceeded,anditmustcommenceandendwithadimmingperiod.

Fluorescentlightsarenotpermitted.Themaximumhoursofartificiallightusedtoprolongnatural

daylengthmustbesettorespectthenaturalbehavior,geographicalconditionsandgeneralhealth

of the animals.

e. Stocking rate for laying hens

Thestockingrateforlayinghensinthehenhousesmustnotexceed:

i. 5birds/m2ofdeeplitterfloorspace;or

ii. 10birds/m2ofslattedfloorspace;or

iii. 13birds/m2 on framed perches.

f. Poultry runs

i. Poultrymusthaveunrestrictedaccesstooutsideruns,whichmustprovideaccesstofresh

grassoraforagecropcontainingadiversityofspecies.

ii. Iftherunareaislimited,accesstofreshpasturemustbeprovidedbyacontrolledrotation

witheitherfixedormovablefencesand/ormovablehousing.

iii. Thestockingratemustnotexceed833hensperhectareforlayinghensand1500birdsper

hectareformeatchickens.

iv. Poultryrunsmustprovideadequatenaturalshelterandprovisionfordustbathing.

v. Bothmeatandlayerchicksmustbeencouragedtoforageassoonaspossible,weather

permitting,ideallywithintheirfirstweek.

vi. Meatchickensmusthaveongoingaccesstofreshpasture.

g. Mutilations

Allmutilations,includingtaildockingofcows,debeakingortoecuttingofchickens,etc.,

areprohibitedexceptforthefollowing:

i. Taildockingoflambsispermitted.

ii. De-horningofcattleispermitted,andshouldpreferablybedoneatthebudstage.Relevant

nationalregulationsmustbecompliedwith.Ananimalthathasbeenanaesthetisedfor

de-horningmustbequarantinedandwillloseitscertificationfortwicethewithholding

periodoftheproductusedplusthesubsequent12months.

iii. Mulesingofmerinotypesheepmaybeallowedasarestrictedpractice,andonlyafterwritten

approvalbyBioGro.Breedingtowardswrinkle-freesheepmustbeanobjective.

iv. Velveting.Velvetingofdeerisprohibitedoncertifiedanimals.

v. Noseringingofgrazingpigsisarestrictedpracticeandrequirespriorwrittenapprovalfrom

BioGro.

vi. Castrationofcattle,pigs,andlambsispermittedatanearlyage.

vii. Vasectomisingofteaserbullsisarestrictedpracticeandrequirespriorwrittenapprovalfrom

BioGro.

h. Housing

Housingdesign,construction,andoperationmustprovideforinsulation,heating,coolingand

ventilationofthebuilding,thatensuresaircirculation,dustlevels,temperature,relativeair

humidity,andgasconcentrationstowithinlevelsthatarenotharmfultothelivestock.Itmust

alsoprotectthelivestockfrompredationbyferalanimals.

18


i. Housing Conditions

Housing conditions must ensure:

• ampleaccesstofreshwaterandfeedaccordingtotheneedsoftheanimals;

• animalshavesufficientspacetostandnaturally,movearound,liedowneasily,turnaround,

groomthemselvesandassumeallnaturalposturesandmovementssuchasstretching,

andwingflapping;

• whereanimalsrequirebedding,adequatenaturalmaterialsareprovided.

j. Treated timber

Useoftimbertreatedwitharsenateand/orotherprohibitedmaterialsisarestrictedpractice

andrequiresBioGrowrittenapproval.Allalternativesmustbeevaluatedfirst.

NotethatpropertiesproducingcertifiedproductstobeexportedtoUS(includingproducts

whichwillbeingredientsofprocessedproductstobeexportedtoUS)mustcomplywiththe

USDANationalOrganicProgram(NOP)requirementsfortreatedtimber.

k. Construction materials

Theoperatormustensurethattheenvironment,thefacilities,stockingdensityandflock/herdsize

providesforthebehavioralneedsoftheanimalsandprovidesfor:

• constructionmaterialsandproductionequipmentthatdonotsignificantlyharmhumanor

animal health.

4.7 Livestock health, welfare, and treatments


Maximiselivestockhealthandwelfarebymanagingstockpositivelywithrespecttotheirwellbeing

atalltimes,andadoptingpreventativemethods,suchasavoidanceofstress,provisionofshadeand

shelter,andadequatefoodsupply.

Wheretreatmentsarerequiredthennaturalmethodsandmedicinessuchashomeopathictreatments

are preferred.


a. Ensurealldietaryrequirementsaremet.

b. Whileitisimportanttoselectstockforresistancetohealthproblems,stockwhicharenotthriving

mustnotbeallowedtosufferandmustbetreatedifnecessary.

c. Nationalregulationsforlivestockdiseasesofnationalsignificancemustbecompliedwith,evenif

itleadstolossofcertification.Itisrecommendedthatallrelevantindustrybestpracticecodesare

complied with.


a. Livestock health plan

Ifstockhealthproblemsareevidentonthefarmthentheremustbeadocumentedlivestock

healthplantoaddresstheseproblems.

b. Statutory requirements

The Animal Welfare Act placesstatutoryobligationsonlivestockownerstopreventunnecessary

painandsuffering.Itisthereforealegalrequirementtotakeadequatestepstotreatdisease


19

04 May 2009

situations.IfaproducerfailstomeettherequirementsofthisAct,orisprovedinanywaytohave

causedunnecessarypainorsufferingtoastockanimal,itmayresultinimmediateloss

ofcertificationofthewholeproperty.

c. Shade and shelter

Ifthereisinadequateshadeandsheltertoprovideprotectionfromweatherextremes,accordingto

theneedsoflivestock,thentheremustbeadocumentedplantoestablishsuchshadeandshelter.

d. Provision of water

Animalsmusthaveaccesstodrinkablewaterinallpaddocks,duringperiodswhenfluidintake

fromherbageisnotsufficient.

e. Herbal, naturopathic, and homeopathic therapies and remedies

BioGrocertified/approvedproductsareallowed.

f. BioGro’s requirement to treat

Certifiedlivestockproducersmustneverallowdiseasedorseverelyinfectedstocktogountreated

inorderthatitmaybeclassedascertified.AnyBioGrolicensee,whoisproventobekeeping,or

selling,orhaverecentlykeptorsold,stockthatwouldnotcomplywiththeAnimal Welfare Act will

faceimmediatelossofcertificationofthewholeproperty.

g. Effect of treatment on certification status

i. Whenselectinganyinterimanimalhealthremedy(refer Module 2: Glossary of Terms)the

producer must select the appropriate product with the shortest withholding period so that

thequarantineareacanbeminimised,andinordertooptimisetheeffectivenessofselection

oflivestockforresistancetohealthproblems.Wherechemicalallopathicveterinarydrugsor

antibioticsaretobeusedthenthismustbeunderveterinarysupervision.

ii Routineorscheduleduseofanyinterimanimalhealthremedyisprohibited.

iii. Anyanimaltreatedwithaninterimremedywilllosecertificationimmediately.Thislossof

certificationisforthefollowing12months.

NotethatforexportsoflivestockproductstoUS,theUSDANOPrequiresthefollowing:

• StocktreatedwithanantibioticmustberemovedfromtheNOPcertifiedherd/flock

andcannoteversupplyproducts,includingmilkandmeat,asNOPcertified.Theonly

exceptiontothisiscowsinadairyherdmayhavebeentreatedwithanantibioticprior

tocommencingtheir12monthsconversiontoNOP.

• Ifananimalhasbeentreatedwithasyntheticparasiticideatanytimeduringits

lifethenmeatandmeatproductsfromthatanimalcannotbeexportedtoUSas

NOPcertified.

iv. Alltreatedstockmustbeheldinthequarantineareaforatleast48hours.

v. Afterthequarantineperiod,anystocksotreatedmaybereturnedtothemainflockorherd,

providedtheyareclearlyandpermanentlymarked.

vi. Ifquarantineproceduresarenotfollowedthenallcertifiedpartsofthepropertytowhich

treatedstockhadaccessduringthequarantineperiodofthestockwillbeconsidereda

quarantineareaandsubjecttolossofcertificationforaminimumof12months.

vii. Attheendofthelossofcertificationperiod,theanimalwillregainthestatusofthelowest

statuslandithasgrazedduringthelossofcertificationperiod.Forfemalebreedinglivestock

alsoseesection4.5.3b.iii.

h. Quarantine area regaining of certification

Aquarantineareacanregaincertification12monthsafteritslastuseasaquarantinearea.Atthis

stageitwilltakethecertificationstatusofthelowestcertificationstatuslandonthefarm.

20


i. Tracing treated animals

Followingtreatment,animalstreatedwithinterimremediesmustbeclearlyidentifiedatalltimes.

Recordsmustbekeptofalltreatmentsandpost-treatmentmanagement,includingdisposalof

deadstock.Veterinarytreatment,includingdetailsofthetreatmentanditsduration,aswellasall

brandnamesofdrugsused,mustbeincluded.

j. Records of treated stock

Treatedstockmustbeclearlyandpermanentlymarked.Recordsofevery administration of any

restrictedorinterimanimalhealthremedy,includingantibiotics,mustbekept.Theserecords

must include:

i. treatmentdateandtheanimal(s)/livestocktreated;

ii. thetypeofproductused,bybrandandbyactiveingredient(s);

iii. thewithholdingperiod;

iv. thelocationofthequarantinearea;

v. thedatethatquarantineendedanddetailsofwherethestockwentonleavingquarantine;and

vi. thedatethatcertificationwillberegained.

k. Vaccinations

i. Breedingtoobtainstockwithhighlevelsofnaturalimmunityandtheuseofacceptable

methodsandpracticesthatwilleliminatetheneedforvaccines,mustbeanobjective.

ii. Routineorscheduledvaccinationisprohibited,unlessevidencesatisfactorytoBioGrois

produced,showingthattheinfectionisinherentintheproperty.Insuchsituations,andwhere

acceptablefarmingpracticesoralternativetreatmentsareunlikelytosucceed,priorwritten

permissionmustbeobtainedfromBioGrofortheuseofvaccineswhichstimulatetheanimal’s

naturalimmunesystem,andarepreparedfromnaturallyoccurringorganisms.GEorGM

vaccinesandtheirderivativesarespecificallyprohibited.

l. Specific diseases and remedies

Incaseswherespecificdiseasesorhealthproblemsareknowntooccur,priorpermissiontouse

specifiedcontrolmeasuresmustbesoughtinwritingfromBioGro.

m. Internal parasites

i. Elimination,bybreedingresistantand/orresilientanimals,andusinggrazingmanagement

andnon-chemicalproceduresmustbeakeyobjective.

ii. Thelevelofparasiticworminoculumpresentinpasturesmustbereducedoreliminated

bycropping,crossgrazing,rotationsorbrowsingfodder.

iii. Naturalpurgativesandhomoeopathicremediesarepermitted.

iv. Stockcarryinganunacceptablewormburdenmustbetreatedandifaninterimanimalhealth

remedyisusedthen,subjecttotherequirementsofsectiong.above,theanimal(s)mustbe

quarantinedforatleasttwodays.Thetreatedanimallosescertificationforthefollowing

12 months.

NotethatforstockcertifiedtotheUSDANOP,theonlyparasiticidewhichcanbeusedis

ivermectin,andonlyonstocknotproducingorganicmeatfortheUSmarket.

n. Ectoparasites and flystrike

Naturalremediesareallowed.Stockcarryinganunacceptableliceburdenmustbetreatedandif

aninterimanimalhealthremedyisusedthen,subjecttotherequirementsofsectiong.above,the

animal(s)mustbequarantinedforatleasttwodays.Thetreatedanimallosescertificationforthe

following 12 months.

o. Footrot

Zinc sulphate or copper sulphate treatment is permitted.


21

04 May 2009

p. Calf scours

Oralrehydrationwithglucoseelectrolytesolutionispermitted.Infectedanimalsmustbe

isolatedfromtheherduntilcured.Homoeopathic,naturopathic,chalkandfineclayremedies

are permitted.

q. Mastitis

i. Useofhomoeopathicandnaturopathicremediesispermitted.

ii. Drying-offmildlyinfectedquartersispermitted.

iii. Ifanantibioticisusedthen,subjecttotherequirementsofsectiong.above,theanimal(s)must

bequarantinedforatleasttwodays.Thetreatedanimallosescertificationforthefollowing

12 months.

r. Bloat

Vegetableoils,fishoils,andnaturalsodiumbicarbonatemaybeusedwhereneeded.

s. Facial eczema

Zincoxideorzincsulphatemaybeusedincaseswherepasturesporecountindicatesa

definiteneed.

t. Navel ill

Whereoccurrenceislikely,iodinemaybeusedpreventatively.

u. Pre and post parturition treatments

Naturalprostaglandinsmaybeusedfortheinductionofparturitiononlywhenessentialfor

veterinaryreasons.

Oxytocinmaybeusedforpostparturitiontherapywhererequired.

v. Metabolic disorders

i. Magnesiumchloridemaybeusedtotreatgrassstaggers.

ii. Injections(intravenous)ofcalciumborogluconatemaybeusedtotreatmilkfever.

iii. Additionofmagnesiumand/orphosphorussaltstometabolicsolutionsispermittedtoassist

recoveryfromtheabove.

w. Mineral and trace element deficiencies

i. Mineralandtraceelementdeficienciesthatpersistafterconversiontocertifiedstatusmust

ideallybecorrectedbyapplicationtopasturesofpermittedfertilisersandapprovedrestricted

fertiliserssothattheanimals’intakeisinanatural(plant)form.

ii. Multiplepasturespeciesmustbeplanted,especiallythoseplantsknowntoaccumulatethe

deficientelement(s).

iii. Puresaltlicks,orthosesupplementedwithproductsofnaturaloriginarepermitted.

iv. Approvedmineralandtraceelementsupplementsmaybesuppliedonanasneededbasis

usingmineralisedlicksasarestrictedpractice,referformApplication for Use of Restricted Inputs.

v. Iftheabovemethodsareinadequatethen,topreventstockill-healthand/orwheretissuetests

showmineralandtraceelementdeficiencies,mineralandtraceelementsupplementsmaybe

addedtowatersuppliesordirectlyadministeredasarestrictedpractice,referformApplication

for Use of Restricted Inputs.

x. Hormones and growth promotants

Theuseofsubstancestopromotegrowthorproduction,(includingantibiotics,coccidiostats

andotherartificialaidsforgrowthpromotionpurposes)andtheuseofhormonesorsimilar

substancestocontrolreproduction,e.g.inductionorsynchronisationofoestrus,orforother

purposes,isprohibited.

y. Growth promotants

Productionstimulants,suppressantsandgrowthpromotersareprohibited.

22


z. Poultry health

i. Vaccinationofupto2day-oldchicks(bothmeatandlayerchicks)isallowedasarestricted

practice, refer form Application for Use of Restricted Inputs.

ii. Sickorparasiteinfestedbirdsmustbeisolatedandtreated.

iii. Birdsrequiringconventionalmedicationmustbetreated,quarantinedanddivertedto

conventionalmarketsorculled.

aa. Permitted cleaners for livestock buildings

Permittedproductsforcleaninganddisinfectionoflivestockbuildingsandinstallations,

e.g.equipmentandutensils,are:

i. alcohol;

ii. causticpotash(potassiumhydroxide);

iii. causticsoda(sodiumhydroxide);

iv. citric,paracetic,formic,lactic,oxalicandaceticacid;

v. iodineproductsforteatsandmilkingfacilities;

vi. hydrogenperoxide;

vii. lime;

viii.milkoflime;

ix. naturalessencesofplants;

x. nitricacid(fordairyequipment);

xi. phosphoricacid(fordairyequipment);

xii. potassiumandsodiumsalt;

xiii.quicklime;

xiv.sodiumcarbonate;

xv. sodiumhypochlorite,e.g.asaliquidbleach;

xvi. water;and

xvii.steam

ab. Restricted cleaners for dairy shed hygiene

SubjecttoBioGro’swrittenapproval,MAF-approveddetergentsandsanitisersfordairyshed

hygienemaybeallowedasarestrictedpractice.


23

04 May 2009

4.8 Transport and Slaughter


a. Pain and distress

Transportandslaughteroflivestockmustminimiseanypainanddistresstothelivestock.

b. Planning

i. Whenplanningtransportation,considerationmustbegiventofactorssuchasdistanceto

betraveled,temperatureandhumidity,species,ageandsexofstock,andconditionofroads

andvehicles.

ii. Inallcases,wherefeedistobeprovidedtolivestock,itmustbecertified.

iii. Longdistancetransportoflivestockmustbeplannedsothatstopoversareoncertifiedland.

c. Stock condition

Allstockpresentedfortransportationmustbeinaconditionthatenablesthemtoendurethe

stressoftravel.

d. Stock handling

Stockhandlingmethodsduringloadingandunloadingmustminimiseavoidablestress:

i. Loadingandunloadingmustusesuitablydesignedandconstructedfacilitiesandbecarried

outinwaysthatminimisestressandavoidthelikelihoodofinjury.

ii. Transportvehiclesandloadingfacilitiesmustbecleanandfreefromprotrusionsthatcould

causebruisingand/orinjury.

iii. Electricalstimulationtocoercestockisprohibitedduringtransportandslaughter.

iv. Nochemicallysynthesisedtranquilisersorstimulantsareallowedpriortoorduringtransport

and slaughter.

v. Caremustbetakenwhenorganisingloadstoavoidthemixingofstockfromdifferentspecies,

sexes,orsocialgroupswherethiscouldcausestresstothestock.Vehiclesshouldallowfor

segregationofgroupsifrequired.

vi. Allstockmustbeidentifiedatallstagesoftransportandslaughter

e. Welfare

i. Whenstockaretransportedtheymustbehandledwithpropercareandconcernfortheir

welfareandinaccordancewithallrelevantnationallegislationandlivestocktransportation

qualityassurancestandards.

ii. Throughouteachstageoftransporttheremustbeanominatedpersonresponsibleforthewell

beingofthestock.

iii. Allstaffinvolvedinthetransportprocessshouldbequalifiedbywayoftraining,qualifications

andexperience.

iv. Transportationmustprovideadequateventilation,temperature,relativehumidity,and

comfortableheadspacesothatthestockareabletostandinanaturalposition.

f. Duration of transport

i. Longperiodsoftransportinextremeweatherconditionsmustbeavoided.

ii. Slaughterhousejourneytimesmustnotnormallyexceed8hours.Ifthereisnocertified

slaughterhousewithineighthoursofthefarmthenthistimemaybeextended,subjectto

priorwrittenapprovalfromBioGro.Undernormalconditions,subjecttotherequirementsof

Module 5 Livestock ProductionSection4.8.1a–eabove,sheepandgoatsmustnothavemore

than8hourswithoutwaterand16hourswithoutfood,andadultcattlemustnothavemore

than 12 hours without water and 24 hours without food.

g. Droving of stock

Drovingofstockisallowedprovidedstockcannotaccessfeednotallowedunderthesestandards.

24


4.9 Livestock products

4.9.1 Principles

Livestockproductsmustbehandled,packedandstoredtoensuretheongoingintegrityoftheorganic

products.


a. Meat processing

MeatprocessingfacilitiesmustbecertifiedbyBioGro.Refer Module 13 Processing Standard.

b. Wool and fibre

Ifsheeporgoatsareshornatasiteotherthanthecertifiedpropertyorinanon-dedicated

woolshed,thenparallelproductionproceduresmustbesuppliedandpriorwrittenapproval

obtainedfromBioGro.Woolbalesmustbeidentifiedbybatchnumbersandideallyalsolabelled

asBioGro.Off-sitestoragemusthavepriorwrittenapprovalfromBioGro.

c. Milk

Dairyshedsmustcomplywithallrelevantregulatoryandindustryrequirements.

d. Eggs

Eggsmustbecollectedregularly,storedinacool(below15°C),dark,dryandodour-freearea,with

thepointedendfacingdownwards.Eggshellsmustbefreeofmanureandclean.Eggsmustbe

packedinsuitablecontainers,preferablyrecyclable.Whencontainersarere-usedthentoprevent

anyconfusionwithuncertifiedeggs,thecontainersmustbeclearlyover-labelledwiththename,

addressandcertificationstatusofthecertifiedproducer.

BioGro New Zealand Limited

Level9,75GhuzneeStreet,POBox9693, MarionSquare,Wellington6141,NewZealand.

BioGro New Zealand is the trading name of the New Zealand Biological Producers & Consumers Council Incorporated, a not-for-profit incorporated society.

T:+6448019741F:+6448019742

[email protected]

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