Basic principles of organic goat farming

Sa？etak Organic farming, as an ecologically acceptable production method based on natural processes and the use of organic and natural materials, is becoming increasingly popular in Serbia. In addition to “organic”, this type of production is also commonly called “ecological” or “biological”. The objectives of organic agriculture are to maintain and increase fertility of the land, suppress land erosion, conserve biodiversity, protect natural resources from pollution and produce foods of high nutritional value. In organizing organic livestock production, priority is given to native (indigenous) breeds adapted to local growing conditions and resistant to diseases. Organic production, which is an integral part of the sustainable agriculture system, does not permit the use of protective and nutraceuticals of synthetic chemical origin and synthetic drugs, growth regulators, hormones and GMOs. Despite the common, classical means of goat farming, in recent years there has been increasing interest to change typical farming methods to introduce “Bio” systems, i.e. biologically clean farming methods. Such production methods result in products free of the chemicals that are common in numerous substances used in common production methods. Animal welfare is always a high priority in organic production. Primarily, animals should be provided with conditions for growth and development that are in compliance with their genetic potential. This implies respecting their physiological and ecological needs, and ensuring conditions to express their natural functions and behaviour. In order to start and later organize such production, certain conditions must be met. The appropriate, accredited institutions are responsible for ensuring that the required conditions are met and that production is in line with the principles of biological production. Holdings meeting the requirements of biological production receive the appropriate certificate. Today organic production in the EU is regulated by the EEC Directive 2092/91, and its amendments