Organic dairy cows are just as healthy as their non-organic counterparts when it comes to their risk for parasite infections, according to a pilot study from Italy published in Animals (the study can be downloaded HERE). Contrary to nonorganic dairy production, regulations for organic dairy in Europe (and North America) require that cows receive access to pasture and restrict antimicrobial use, increasing their risk for parasites. 

Concerns that in response to Europe’s Green Deal, an increase in organic farming by 2030 of 25% could pose problems for animal health, especially for infections from parasites in dairies, researchers designed a case study to compare animal welfare and the presence of gastrointestinal parasites between organic and nonorganic dairy farms. 

The study examined the animal welfare, dairy quality, and parasites from three hundred cows located in central Italy from certified organic and non-organic dairy farms in the early spring of 2020. Organic cows grazed pastures in the central Apennines supplemented with 60% roughage, while both types of dairy cows accessed free-range stalls and resting areas. Nonorganic cows received one antimicrobial treatment and a diet of 100% total mixed rations (hay, cereals, minerals, and other nutrients). 

Evaluations from a veterinarian revealed that organic cows had fewer rubbing lesions on their rear legs, likely from access to pasture and consistent with prior studies, and no significant distinction in parasites between organic and nonorganic dairy cows, suggesting that organic cows may have increased resilience to parasite infections.  

The study's larger takeaway is organic farming practices that mandate access to pasture don’t impact cow health in a negative way, confirming the value on animal welfare from the legislation. Organic farms are generally considered more animal and environmentally friendly than nonorganic dairies, favoring life quality for the animals.  

The study notes the lack of differences in parasite prevalence as a consideration for future control measures. And the finding helps producers respond to the European Green Deal policy and stricter animal welfare standards from the “Farm to Fork” strategy, which encourages a 50% reduction in antimicrobials by 2030. 

Source: The Organic Center