At a time when pastured poultry raisers are being urged by officials to keep their flocks indoors — to supposedly prevent their being contaminated by wild birds — it is encouraging to see the National Organic Standards Board trying to toughen the regulations regarding organic poultry by requiring them to have meaningful access to the out-of-doors. The NOSB recognizes that natural decontamination from sunlight, fresh air and bio-diverse soil are the best ways to promote animal vitality.
Organic standards for livestock health are primarily based on keeping the animals healthy in the first place, which is as it should be. No medications or interventions can be as effective as prevention, humane care and a proper diet. The articles in this issue are based on that organic principle. We analyze both disease and good health from the perspective of organic regulations and management.
[Read more…] about Organic Animal Health
The cheap food policy in this country is probably most evident in livestock raising systems. The vast majority of animals raised for milk, meat or eggs in the United States these days are housed in CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) on factory farms. As a result, they are crowded inside buildings or into feedlots where conditions are conducive to the spread of disease.
The immune system (September 2013)
Dr. Robin Murphy, ND, Homeopathic Medical Repertory 
Livestock farming has undergone a significant transformation in the past few decades. Most meat and dairy products now are produced on large farms with sin-gle species buildings or open-air pens. Breeding programs have focused on production, getting more food produced in less time and for less cost per unit. Since 1960 milk production has more than doubled, meat production has more than tripled, and egg production has more than quadrupled. It now takes far less time to raise fully grown animals. In 1920, for instance, a chicken took approximately 16 weeks to reach a little over 2 pounds. Now they can reach 5 pounds in 7 weeks!
