Advances in Organic Dairy Cattle Farming

“This 400-page book explores how organic dairy farming addresses challenges including environmental impact, animal welfare and antibiotic resistance. The book is aimed at academics, international policy professionals and organic farmers seeking research-based guidance, however it would also be a valuable addition to undergraduate reading lists in food science, biological sciences and agriculture. This is a timely and well-written resource.” (Book Review Published in the International Journal of Dairy Technology)

The dairy sector continues to face increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact and contribution to climate change.It must also address consumer concerns surrounding issues such as animal welfare, antibiotic usage/resistance and the ethics of intensive production systems.

Advances in organic dairy cattle farmingconsiders how organic dairy farming has the potential to address these challenges whilst also meeting the key organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care. The book reviews advances in areas such as breeding, optimising pasture-based production and organic milk quality, improving the health and welfare of calves and adult cows, as well as promoting biodiversity and the move to a more circular, sustainable bioeconomy.

Author Biography

Dr Mette Vaarst is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Aarhus University, Denmark. She has published extensively on organic animal farming, coordinated several European research projects and co-edited Improving organic animal farming, published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing in 2019.

Dr Stephen Roderick is Research Manager in the Rural Business School at Duchy College in the UK. He has published widely on animal health and farm resource management, was formerly Associate Editor of Organic Agriculture and co-edited Improving organic animal farming.

Dr Lindsay Whistance is Senior Livestock Researcher at the Organic Research Centre in the UK. She is internationally known for her research on farm animal behaviour, health, welfare and nutrition in organic agriculture.