Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

Faculty of Agriculture

Organic Livestock Production (ANSC 2004)

Offered by Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture

This course provides information on organic livestock production in general, as well as more detailed analyses of organic beef and sheep, dairy, and swine and poultry production.  The course is intended for students new to organic livestock production, and for more experienced producers. This is a web-based course that incorporates a variety of instructional materials and methods. Throughout the course you will explore available organic resources and complete a variety of self-directed learning exercises. You will also participate in focused discussion groups and use the course information to complete assignments and to test your knowledge in the final exam.

The course is divided into five, stand-alone modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Organic Livestock Production

Module 1 includes an overview of the philosophical basis for organic agriculture, organic standards, health management strategies, marketing methods, and ethical concerns relating to livestock production.

Module 2: Health Management in Organic Livestock Systems

Module 2 provides vital information for anyone managing livestock organically. Topics covered include concepts of disease and health, disease prevention, and alternative treatments (herbal remedies, homeopathy, and acupuncture).

Module 3: Organic Beef and Sheep Production

Module 3 provides information on nutrition and feeding, pasture management, housing, manure management, health, and breed selection for beef cattle and sheep. The module also inlcudes topics specific to each livestock type, for example pasture management and parasite control for organically managed beef and sheep herds.

Module 4: Organic Dairy Production

Module 4 provides information on nutrition and feeding, pasture management, housing, manure management, health, and breed selection for organic dairy cattle. Selected topics include milkhouse wastewater management, mastitis control, and pipeline sanitation.

Module 5: Organic Swine and Poultry Production

Module 5 provides information on nutrition and feeding, pasture management, housing, manure management, health, and breed selection for swine and poultry. In addition, topics specific to each livestock type are presented. Selected topics include egg marketing and alternative housing systems.



Please visit the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture's Extended Learning page for more information and to register.