Performing Department
Population Health & Reproduction
Non Technical Summary
Over the past several years, the demand for organically produced food has increased tremendously in the United States.The dairy industry represents the second largest segment of the organic agriculture, with California ranked in top 7 organic dairy producer states.Antimicrobial use and selection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock is an important topic that has had direct impacts on on-farm dairy farm practices, by factors that include changes in legislationor consumer pressure.Therapeutic limitations imposed on organic farms increase the challenge for treatment options of sick animals, highlighting the importance of preventive management measures such as vaccination to control disease and ensure animal well-being.Currently very limited information is known about husbandry practices related to prevention and treatment of sick cows and calves on organic farms in California. The overall objective of this study is to survey husbandry practices related to animal health, welfare and prevention and treatment of disease on organic dairy farms in California.Specifically, it will determine the needs of organic farmers, related to animal husbandry practices, health and welfare. This study will inform dairy organicproducers and other professionals in the field (dairy farm advisors, extension specialistsand veterinarians) about critical areas that can be addressed by research and extension to improve animal health and well-being at organic dairies.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is tocharacterize the organic dairy farms in CA and to identify the needs and trends of these organic systems related to animal management and husbandry. Specifically, it will determine the needs of organic farmers, related to animal husbandry practices, health and welfare.The specific objectives are: 1) Describe the husbandry practices of CA organic farms; 2) To characterize animal health and welfare practices, perceptions and attitudes of the farmers; and 3) To characterize the frequency and perception of efficacy of therapeutic treatments used on organic farms.
Project Methods
A cross-sectional study will be conducted with certified organic dairy producers in California.The inclusion criteria include: 1) Grade A dairy farms; 2) certified organic in compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP); and 3) willingness to participate.The organic producers list (136 dairy farms in CA), will be generated from the USDA-certified organic list on the NOP website.All CA farms in the NOP identified organic farms will be invited to participate, and additional participants, not yet listed on the NOP website will be identified by listings from certified organizations, countyadvisors/specialists UCCE,dairy practitionersand personal contacts. A mixed mode survey approach (mailed hardcopy and web-based survey) and a Tailored Design Method with multiple mailings (e.g., introductory postcard, survey packet, reminder postcard) will be used in order to maximize response rates.The survey will include questions: 1) general farm information; 2) husbandry practices (e.g., nutrition, housing, calf management, milking and transition cow management); 3) animal health (disease occurrence, treatments, vaccination); 4) milk quality; and 5) knowledge and perceptions regarding animal health, welfare and alternatives to antimicrobial products.In order to increase survey participation individual site visits will also be conducted, targeting the counties with highest number of organic dairy farms (Sonoma, Marin and Humboldt Counties).Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to evaluate the survey data. Logistic and spatial methods will be used to identify potential risk factors associated with husbandry practices and animal health.