1. A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org
Organic Standards for Livestock Production
Excerpts of USDA’s National Organic Program Regulations
By Ann H. Baier, NCAT This collection of standards from the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) provides the reader with
Agriculture Specialist key standards relevant to certified organic livestock production. Two similar publications are available
June 2010 [revised per from ATTRA for crop production (all ruminant livestock producers must produce pasture) and handling
Amendment(s) of organic products.
published February 17,
2010, in 75 FR 7192,
Effective date(s): Organic Standards are subject to revision or amendment. Please check the National Organic Program
June 17, 2010] (NOP) website for the most current version of the Rule. From the National Organic Program (NOP)
© 2010 NCAT homepage, go to NOP Regulations, then click on Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
(Standards). The link to the standards is currently as noted below, but is subject to change when
revisions are made to the NOP website. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=bb078
9e7d25ecfa362e2f3e22d5c34f6&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7:3.1.1.9.31&idno=7
Contents
Recordkeeping by
Please see the text box above for instructions for
certified operations ........2
Introduction finding the link.
Organic production
and handling This publication contains verbatim excerpts of
system plan .......................2 Organic standards are set forth under the
selected organic standards of standards relevant
Origin of livestock ...........3
to organic livestock producers. It is intended to United States Department of Agriculture’s
Livestock feed...................4
provide a handy reference to USDA’s National (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR
Livestock health care Organic Program (NOP) Final Rule. Standards Part 205. The 7 refers to Title 7: Agriculture—
practice standard ............5
relevant to production of organic crops, and one of 50 areas within the Code of Federal Reg-
Livestock living
conditions. .........................5 handling of organic agricultural products may ulations (CFR), and Part 205 is the National
Pasture practice be found in two separate ATTRA publications. Organic Program (NOP). The Organic Foods
standard .............................7 Production Act (OFPA), passed by congress in
While this publication contains most of the key
Temporary variances .......7 1990, required creation of USDA’s National
standards that directly address livestock pro-
Synthetic Organic Program (NOP) to set consistent, uni-
duction, it is not a complete collection of all the
substances form national standards for the production
allowed................................8 standards with which livestock producers must
comply. For instance, all producers of rumi- and handling of organic agricultural products.
Nonsynthetic
substances nant livestock must also manage pasture, and so The NOP oversees mandatory certification of
prohibited. ...................... 10 must also follow crop production standards as production and handling of all products to be
Terms defined ................ 10 they apply to pasture and other livestock feed marketed or represented as organic within the
produced on farm. Many livestock producers United States.
also do some handling activities, such as cool-
Producers who wish to market their products
ing and storage of milk, washing and packing of
The National Sustainable
eggs or slaughter of meat animals. Please review as USDA Certified Organic must meet NOP
Agriculture Information Service,
ATTRA (www.attra.ncat.org), the organic standards in their entirety and check standards and have their operation certified by
was developed and is managed
by the National Center for with an organic certifying agent (certifier) to be a USDA-accredited organic certifying agent or
Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
The project is funded through sure that you are aware of and familiar with all certifier. You can choose your certifier, and fill
a cooperative agreement with
the regulations that apply to your type of opera- out their application and organic system plan
the United States Department
of Agriculture’s Rural Business- tion. Complete standards for organic crop pro- forms for organic production and handling
Cooperative Service. Visit the
NCAT website (www.ncat.org/ duction, livestock production or handling of agri- activities. Details of this process are described
sarc_current.php) for
more information on cultural products, as well as requirements for the in ATTR A’s publication entitled Organic
our other sustainable inspection process and management of certify- Certification Process, http://attra.ncat.org/
agriculture and
energy projects. ing agents, can be found on the USDA website. attra-pub/organic_certification.html

2. Subpart A—Definitions
This is one of three ATTRA publications that excerpt
USDA National Organic Program Regulations (Standards):
• § 205.2 Terms defined. (Selected terms
relevant to livestock production)
1) Organic Standards for Crop Production
§ 205.103 Recordkeeping by
2) Organic Standards for Livestock Production certified operations.
3) Organic Standards for Handling (Processing) (a) A certified operation must maintain records
concerning the production, harvesting, and
handling of agricultural products that are or
The following sections of PART 205 of that are intended to be sold, labeled, or rep-
the National Organic Program are resented as “100 percent organic,” “organic,”
excerpted below: or “made with organic (specified ingredients
or food group(s)).”
Subpart B—Applicability (b) Such records must:
• § 205.103 Recordkeeping by certified (1) Be adapted to the particular business that
operations the certified operation is conducting;
• § 205.201 Organic production and (2) Fully disclose all activities and transac-
handling system plan tions of the certified operation in suffi-
cient detail as to be readily understood
Subpart C—Organic Production and and audited;
Handling Requirements (3) Be maintained for not less than 5 years
• § 205.236 Origin of livestock. beyond their creation; and
(4) Be sufficient to demonstrate compliance
• § 205.237 Livestock feed. with the Act and the regulations in this part.
• § 205.236 Origin of livestock. (c) The certified operation must make such
records available for inspection and copying
• § 205.237 Livestock feed. during normal business hours by authorized
representatives of the Secretary, the applica-
• § 205.238 Livestock health care practice
ble State program’s governing State official,
standard
and the certifying agent.
• § 205.239 Livestock living conditions § 205.201 Organic production and
• § 205.290 Temporary variances handling system plan.
(a) The producer or handler of a production
• § 205.240 Pasture practice standard. or handling operation, except as exempt or
excluded under §205.101, intending to sell,
Subpart D—Labels, Labeling, and label, or represent agricultural products as
Market Information “100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made
with organic (specified ingredients or food
• § 205.300 Use of the term “organic” group(s))” must develop an organic produc-
• § 205.301 Product composition tion or handling system plan that is agreed
to by the producer or handler and an accred-
Subpart G—Administrative ited certifying agent. An organic system plan
The National List of Allowed and must meet the requirements set forth in this
section for organic production or handling.
Prohibited Substances
An organic production or handling system
• § 205.603 Non-synthetic substances plan must include:
prohibited allowed for use in organic
(1) A description of practices and proce-
livestock production.
dures to be performed and maintained,
• § 205.604 Synthetic substances allowed including the frequency with which they
for use in organic livestock production will be performed;
Page 2 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

3. (2) A list of each substance to be used as a year of organic management may
production or handling input, indicating be consumed by the dairy animals
its composition, source, location(s) where of the farm during the 12-month
it will be used, and documentation of period immediately prior to the sale of
commercial availability, as applicable; organic milk and milk products; and
(3) A description of the monitoring prac- (ii) That, when an entire, distinct herd is
tices and procedures to be performed and converted to organic production, the
maintained, including the frequency with producer may, provided no milk pro-
which they will be performed, to verify duced under this subparagraph enters
that the plan is effectively implemented; the stream of commerce labeled as
organic after June 9, 2007: (a) For
(4) A description of the recordkeeping sys-
the first 9 months of the year, pro-
tem implemented to comply with the
vide a minimum of 80-percent feed
requirements established in §205.103;
that is either organic or raised from
(5) A description of the management prac- land included in the organic system
tices and physical barriers established plan and managed in compliance
to prevent commingling of organic and with organic crop requirements; and
nonorganic products on a split operation (b) Provide feed in compliance with
and to prevent contact of organic produc- §205.237 for the final 3 months.
tion and handling operations and prod-
ucts with prohibited substances; and (iii) Once an entire, distinct herd has
been converted to organic produc-
(6) Additional information deemed neces- tion, all dairy animals shall be under
sary by the certifying agent to evaluate organic management from the last
compliance with the regulations. third of gestation.
(b) A producer may substitute a plan prepared (3) Breeder stock. Livestock used as breeder
to meet the requirements of another Fed- stock may be brought from a nonorganic
eral, State, or local government regulatory operation onto an organic operation at any
program for the organic system plan: Pro- time: Provided, That, if such livestock are
vided, That, the submitted plan meets all the gestating and the offspring are to be raised
requirements of this subpart. as organic livestock, the breeder stock
§ 205.236 Origin of livestock. must be brought onto the facility no later
than the last third of gestation.
(a) Livestock products that are to be sold,
labeled, or represented as organic must be (b) The following are prohibited:
from livestock under continuous organic (1) Livestock or edible livestock products that
management from the last third of gestation are removed from an organic operation
or hatching: Except, That: and subsequently managed on a nonor-
(1) Poultry. Poultry or edible poultry products ganic operation may be not sold, labeled,
must be from poultry that has been under or represented as organically produced.
continuous organic management begin-
(2) Breeder or dairy stock that has not been
ning no later than the second day of life;
under continuous organic management
(2) Dairy animals. Milk or milk products since the last third of gestation may not
must be from animals that have been be sold, labeled, or represented as organic
under continuous organic management slaughter stock.
beginning no later than 1 year prior to
(c) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
the production of the milk or milk prod-
tion must maintain records sufficient to pre-
ucts that are to be sold, labeled, or repre-
serve the identity of all organically managed
sented as organic, Except,
animals and edible and nonedible ani-
(i) That, crops and forage from land, mal products produced on the operation.
included in the organic system plan [65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at
of a dairy farm, that is in the third 71 FR 32807, June 7, 2006]
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3

4. § 205.237 Livestock feed. entire grazing season for the geographical
(a) The producer of an organic livestock opera- region, which shall be not less than 120
tion must provide livestock with a total feed days per calendar year. Due to weather,
ration composed of agricultural products, season, and/or climate, the grazing season
including pasture and forage, that are organ- may or may not be continuous.
ically produced and handled by operations (2) Provide pasture of a sufficient quality
certified to the NOP, except as provided in and quantity to graze throughout the
§205.236(a)(2)(i), except, that, synthetic sub- grazing season and to provide all rumi-
stances allowed under §205.603 and non- nants under the organic system plan with
synthetic substances not prohibited under an average of not less than 30 percent
§205.604 may be used as feed additives and of their dry matter intake from grazing
feed supplements, Provided, That, all agricul- throughout the grazing season: Except,
tural ingredients included in the ingredients That,
list, for such additives and supplements, shall (i) Ruminant animals denied pasture
have been produced and handled organically. in accordance with §205.239(b)
(b) The producer of an organic operation must not: (1) through (8), and §205.239(c)(1)
through (3), shall be provided with an
(1) Use animal drugs, including hormones, average of not less than 30 percent of
to promote growth; their dry matter intake from grazing
(2) Provide feed supplements or additives in throughout the periods that they are
amounts above those needed for adequate on pasture during the grazing season;
nutrition and health maintenance for the (ii) Breeding bulls shall be exempt from
species at its specific stage of life; the 30 percent dry matter intake
from grazing requirement of this sec-
(3) Feed plastic pellets for roughage;
tion and management on pasture
(4) Feed formulas containing urea or requirement of §205.239(c)(2); Pro-
manure; vided, That, any animal maintained
under this exemption shall not be
(5) Feed mammalian or poultry slaughter
sold, labeled, used, or represented as
by-products to mammals or poultry;
organic slaughter stock.
(6) Use feed, feed additives, and feed supple- (d) Ruminant livestock producers shall:
ments in violation of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (1) Describe the total feed ration for each
type and class of animal. The description
(7) Provide feed or forage to which any anti- must include:
biotic including ionophores has been
(i) All feed produced on-farm;
added; or
(ii) All feed purchased from off-farm
(8) Prevent, withhold, restrain, or otherwise sources;
restrict ruminant animals from actively
obtaining feed grazed from pasture during (iii) The percentage of each feed type,
the grazing season, except for conditions as including pasture, in the total ration;
described under §205.239(b) and (c). and
(iv) A list of all feed supplements and
(c) During the grazing season, producers shall:
additives.
(1) Provide not more than an average of (2) Document the amount of each type of
70 percent of a ruminant’s dry matter feed actually fed to each type and class of
demand from dry matter fed (dry mat- animal.
ter fed does not include dry matter grazed
from residual forage or vegetation rooted (3) Document changes that are made to all
in pasture). This shall be calculated as an rations throughout the year in response
average over the entire grazing season for to seasonal grazing changes.
each type and class of animal. Ruminant (4) Provide the method for calculating dry
animals must be grazed throughout the matter demand and dry matter intake.
Page 4 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

5. § 205.238 Livestock health care practice not allowed under §205.603, or any
standard. substance that contains a nonsynthetic
(a) The producer must establish and maintain substance prohibited in §205.604;
preventive livestock health care practices, (2) Administer any animal drug, other than
including: vaccinations, in the absence of illness;
(1) Selection of species and types of livestock (3) Administer hormones for growth
with regard to suitability for site-specific promotion;
conditions and resistance to prevalent
diseases and parasites; (4) Administer synthetic parasiticides on a
routine basis;
(2) Provision of a feed ration sufficient to
meet nutritional requirements, includ- (5) Administer synthetic parasiticides to
ing vitamins, minerals, protein and/or slaughter stock;
amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources, (6) Administer animal drugs in violation of
and fiber (ruminants); the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
(3) Establishment of appropriate housing, Act; or
pasture conditions, and sanitation prac- (7) Withhold medical treatment from a sick
tices to minimize the occurrence and animal in an effort to preserve its organic
spread of diseases and parasites; status. All appropriate medications must
(4) Provision of conditions which allow for be used to restore an animal to health
exercise, freedom of movement, and when methods acceptable to organic
reduction of stress appropriate to the spe- production fail. Livestock treated with
cies; a prohibited substance must be clearly
identified and shall not be sold, labeled,
(5) Performance of physical alterations as or represented as organically produced.
needed to promote the animal’s welfare
and in a manner that minimizes pain § 205.239 Livestock living conditions.
and stress; and (a) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
(6) Administration of vaccines and other vet- tion must establish and maintain year-round
erinary biologics. livestock living conditions which accom-
modate the health and natural behavior of
(b) When preventive practices and veterinary animals, including:
biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness,
a producer may administer synthetic medi- (1) Year-round access for all animals to the
cations: Provided, Th at, such medications outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas,
are allowed under §205.603. Parasiticides fresh air, clean water for drinking, and
allowed under §205.603 may be used on: direct sunlight, suitable to the species,
its stage of life, the climate, and the envi-
(1) Breeder stock, when used prior to the last ronment: Except, that, animals may be
third of gestation but not during lactation temporarily denied access to the outdoors
for progeny that are to be sold, labeled, or in accordance with §205.239(b) and (c).
represented as organically produced; and Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots may be
(2) Dairy stock, when used a minimum of used to provide ruminants with access
90 days prior to the production of milk to the outdoors during the non-grazing
or milk products that are to be sold, season and supplemental feeding dur-
labeled, or represented as organic. ing the grazing season. Yards, feeding
pads, and feedlots shall be large enough
(c) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
to allow all ruminant livestock occupy-
tion must not:
ing the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to
(1) Sell, label, or represent as organic any ani- feed simultaneously without crowding
mal or edible product derived from any and without competition for food. Con-
animal treated with antibiotics, any sub- tinuous total confinement of any animal
stance that contains a synthetic substance indoors is prohibited. Continuous total
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5

6. confinement of ruminants in yards, feed- (8) 4–H, Future Farmers of America and
ing pads, and feedlots is prohibited. other youth projects, for no more than
one week prior to a fair or other dem-
(2) For all ruminants, management on pas-
onstration, through the event and up to
ture and daily grazing throughout the
24 hours after the animals have arrived
grazing season(s) to meet the require-
home at the conclusion of the event.
ments of §205.237, except as provided
These animals must have been main-
for in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this
tained under continuous organic man-
section.
agement, including organic feed, during
(3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When the extent of their allowed confinement
roughages are used as bedding, they shall for the event.
have been organically produced in accor-
(c) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
dance with this part by an operation
tion may, in addition to the times permitted
certified under this part, except as pro-
under §205.239(b), temporarily deny a rumi-
vided in §205.236(a)(2)(i), and, if appli-
nant animal pasture or outdoor access under
cable, organically handled by operations
the following conditions:
certified to the NOP.
(1) One week at the end of a lactation for dry
(5) The use of yards, feeding pads, feedlots
off (for denial of access to pasture only),
and laneways that shall be well-drained,
three weeks prior to parturition (birth-
kept in good condition (including fre-
ing), parturition, and up to one week
quent removal of wastes), and managed
after parturition;
to prevent runoff of wastes and contami-
nated waters to adjoining or nearby sur- (2) In the case of newborn dairy cattle for up
face water and across property boundaries. to six months, after which they must be
on pasture during the grazing season and
(b) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
may no longer be individually housed:
tion may provide temporary confinement or
Provided, That, an animal shall not be
shelter for an animal because of:
confined or tethered in a way that pre-
(2) The animal’s stage of life: Except, that vents the animal from lying down, stand-
lactation is not a stage of life that would ing up, fully extending its limbs, and
exempt ruminants from any of the man- moving about freely;
dates set forth in this regulation;
(3) In the case of fiber bearing animals, for
(3) Conditions under which the health, short periods for shearing; and
safety, or well-being of the animal could
(4) In the case of dairy animals, for short
be jeopardized;
periods daily for milking. Milking must
(4) Risk to soil or water quality; be scheduled in a manner to ensure
sufficient grazing time to provide each
(5) Preventive healthcare procedures or for
animal with an average of at least 30 per-
the treatment of illness or injury (neither
cent DMI from grazing throughout the
the various life stages nor lactation is an
grazing season. Milking frequencies or
illness or injury);
duration practices cannot be used to
(6) Sorting or shipping animals and livestock deny dairy animals pasture.
sales: Provided, that, the animals shall be
(d) Ruminant slaughter stock, typically grain
maintained under continuous organic
finished, shall be maintained on pasture
management, including organic feed,
for each day that the finishing period corre-
throughout the extent of their allowed
sponds with the grazing season for the geo-
confinement;
graphical location: Except, that, yards, feed-
(7) Breeding: Except, that, bred animals ing pads, or feedlots may be used to provide
shall not be denied access to the outdoors finish feeding rations. During the finishing
and, once bred, ruminants shall not be period, ruminant slaughter stock shall be
denied access to pasture during the grazing exempt from the minimum 30 percent DMI
season; or requirement from grazing. Yards, feeding
Page 6 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

7. pads, or feedlots used to provide finish feed- cooperation with a Federal, State, or local
ing rations shall be large enough to allow conservation office: Provided, that, the sub-
all ruminant slaughter stock occupying the mitted plan addresses all of the requirements
yard, feeding pad, or feed lot to feed simulta- of §205.240(c)(1) through (8). When a change
neously without crowding and without com- to an approved pasture plan is contemplated,
petition for food. The finishing period shall which may affect the operation’s compliance
not exceed one-fi fth (1/5) of the animal’s with the Act or the regulations in this part,
total life or 120 days, whichever is shorter. the producer shall seek the certifying agent’s
agreement on the change prior to implementa-
(e) The producer of an organic livestock opera-
tion. The pasture plan shall include a descrip-
tion must manage manure in a manner that
tion of the:
does not contribute to contamination of
crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy (1) Types of pasture provided to ensure that
metals, or pathogenic organisms and opti- the feed requirements of §205.237 are
mizes recycling of nutrients and must man- being met.
age pastures and other outdoor access areas
(2) Cultural and management practices to
in a manner that does not put soil or water
be used to ensure pasture of a sufficient
quality at risk.
quality and quantity is available to graze
§ 205.240 Pasture practice standard. throughout the grazing season and to
provide all ruminants under the organic
The producer of an organic livestock operation
system plan, except exempted classes
must, for all ruminant livestock on the opera-
identified in §205.239(c)(1) through (3),
tion, demonstrate through auditable records in
with an average of not less than 30 per-
the organic system plan, a functioning manage-
cent of their dry matter intake from graz-
ment plan for pasture.
ing throughout the grazing season.
(a) Pasture must be managed as a crop in full
(3) Grazing season for the livestock opera-
compliance with §205.202, 205.203(d) and
tion’s regional location.
(e), 205.204, and 205.206(b) through (f ).
Land used for the production of annual crops (4) Location and size of pastures, including
for ruminant grazing must be managed in full maps giving each pasture its own
compliance with §205.202 through 205.206. identification.
Irrigation shall be used, as needed, to promote
(5) The types of grazing methods to be used
pasture growth when the operation has irriga-
in the pasture system.
tion available for use on pasture.
(6) Location and types of fences, except for
(b) Producers must provide pasture in com-
temporary fences, and the location and
pliance with §205.239(a)(2) and man-
source of shade and the location and
age pasture to comply with the require-
source of water.
ments of: §205.237(c)(2), to annually
provide a minimum of 30 percent (7) Soil fertility and seeding systems.
of a rumina nt’s dr y matter inta ke
(8) Erosion control and protection of natural
(DMI), on average, over the course
wetlands and riparian areas practices.
of the grazing season(s); §205.238(a)(3),
to minimize the occurrence and spread of § 205.290 Temporary variances.
diseases and parasites; and §205.239(e)
Temporary variances from the requirements in
to refrain from putting soil or water qual-
§205.203 through 205.207, 205.236 through
ity at risk.
205.240 and 205.270 through 205.272 may be
(c) A pasture plan must be included in the pro- established by the Administrator for the follow-
ducer’s organic system plan, and be updated ing reasons:
annually in accordance with §205.406(a). The
(1) Natural disasters declared by the
producer may resubmit the previous year’s
Secretary;
pasture plan when no change has occurred
in the plan. The pasture plan may consist (2) Damage caused by drought, wind,
of a pasture/rangeland plan developed in flood, excessive moisture, hail, tornado,
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7

8. earthquake, fire, or other business (1) Alcohols.
interruption; and
(i) Ethanol-disinfectant and sanitizer
(3) Practices used for the purpose of con- only, prohibited as a feed additive.
ducting research or trials of techniques,
varieties, or ingredients used in organic (ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.
production or handling. (2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to
(b) A State organic program’s governing State reduce inflammation.
official or certifying agent may recommend (3) Atropine (CAS #–51–55–8)—federal
in writing to the Administrator that a tem- law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful
porary variance from a standard set forth in written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian,
subpart C of this part for organic produc- in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21
tion or handling operations be established: CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Adminis-
Provided, Th at, such variance is based on tration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR
one or more of the reasons listed in para- part 205, the NOP requires:
graph (a) of this section.
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order
(c) The Administrator will provide written of a licensed veterinarian; and
notification to certifying agents upon
establishment of a temporary variance (ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least
applicable to the certifying agent’s certi- 56 days after administering to live-
fied production or handling operations stock intended for slaughter; and a
and specify the period of time it shall milk discard period of at least 12 days
remain in effect, subject to extension as after administering to dairy animals.
the Administrator deems necessary.
(4) Biologics—Vaccines.
(d) A certif ying agent, upon notif ication
from the Administrator of the estab- (5) Butorphanol (CAS #–42408–82–2)—
lishment of a temporary variance, must federal law restricts this drug to use by
notify each production or handling oper- or on the lawful written or oral order of
ation it certifies to which the temporary a licensed veterinarian, in full compli-
variance applies. ance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR
part 530 of the Food and Drug Adminis-
(e) Temporary variances will not be granted for tration regulations. Also, for use under 7
any practice, material, or procedure prohib- CFR Part 205, the NOP requires:
ited under §205.105.
(i) Use by or on the lawful written order
Subpart G—Administrative of a licensed veterinarian; and
The National List of Allowed and (ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least
Prohibited Substances 42 days after administering to live-
§ 205.603 Synthetic substances allowed stock intended for slaughter; and a
for use in organic livestock production. milk discard period of at least 8 days
In accordance with restrictions specified in this after administering to dairy animals.
section the following synthetic substances may (6) Chlorhexidine—Allowed for surgical
be used in organic livestock production: procedures conducted by a veterinarian.
(a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical Allowed for use as a teat dip when alter-
treatments as applicable. native germicidal agents and/or physical
barriers have lost their effectiveness.
Please note: The National List is subject to change as a result of legal (7) Chlorine materials—disinfecting and
actions, petitions to add or remove materials or technical corrections. sanitizing facilities and equipment.
Please go to the National Organic Program (NOP) website for the Residual chlorine levels in the water shall
most current version of the National List. www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/ not exceed the maximum residual dis-
standards/FullRegTextOnly.html infectant limit under the Safe Drinking
Water Act.
Page 8 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

9. (i) Calcium hypochlorite. must not be used during the lactation
period for breeding stock.
(ii) Chlorine dioxide.
(19) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS #–79–
(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.
21–0)—for sanitizing facility and pro-
(8) Electrolytes—without antibiotics. cessing equipment.
(9) Flunixin (CAS #–38677–85–9)—in (20) Phosphoric acid—allowed as an equip-
accordance with approved labeling; ment cleaner, Provided , That, no direct
except that for use under 7 CFR part contact with organically managed live-
205, the NOP requires a withdrawal stock or land occurs.
period of at least two-times that required
by the FDA. (21) Poloxalene (CAS #–9003–11–6)—for
use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP
(10) Furosemide (CAS #–54 –31–9)— requires that poloxalene only be used
in accordance with approved label- for the emergency treatment of bloat.
ing; except that for use under 7 CFR
part 205, the NOP requires a with- (22) Tolazoline (CAS #–59–98–3)—fed-
drawal period of at least two-times that eral law restricts this drug to use by or
required that required by the FDA. on the lawful written or oral order of a
licensed veterinarian, in full compliance
(11) Glucose. with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part
(12) Glycerine—Allowed as a livestock teat 530 of the Food and Drug Administra-
dip, must be produced through the tion regulations. Also, for use under 7
hydrolysis of fats or oils. CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
(13) Hydrogen peroxide. (i) Use by or on the lawful written order
of a licensed veterinarian;
(14) Iodine.
(ii) Use only to reverse the effects of
(15) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #–1309–
sedation and analgesia caused by
42–8)—federal law restricts this drug
Xylazine; and
to use by or on the lawful written or
oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in (iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least
full compliance with the AMDUCA 8 days after administering to live-
and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and stock intended for slaughter; and a
Drug Administration regulations. Also, milk discard period of at least 4 days
for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP after administering to dairy animals.
requires use by or on the lawful written
order of a licensed veterinarian. (23) Xylazine (CAS #–7361–61–7)—fed-
eral law restricts this drug to use by or
(16) Magnesium sulfate. on the lawful written or oral order of a
(17) Oxytocin—use in postparturition ther- licensed veterinarian, in full compliance
apeutic applications. with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part
530 of the Food and Drug Administra-
(18) Paraciticides. Ivermectin—prohibited in tion regulations. Also, for use under 7
slaughter stock, allowed in emergency CFR part 205, the NOP requires:
treatment for dairy and breeder stock
when organic system plan-approved (i) Use by or on the lawful written order
preventive management does not pre- of a licensed veterinarian;
vent infestation. Milk or milk products (ii) The existence of an emergency; and
from a treated animal cannot be labeled
as provided for in subpart D of this (iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least
part for 90 days following treatment. In 8 days after administering to live-
breeder stock, treatment cannot occur stock intended for slaughter; and a
during the last third of gestation if the milk discard period of at least 4 days
progeny will be sold as organic and after administering to dairy animals.
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10. (b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or Generally Recognized As Safe; Approved by
local anesthetic as applicable. the FDA as a food additive; or Included in the
FDA review and approval of a New Animal
(1) Copper sulfate.
Drug Application or New Drug Application.
(2) Iodine.
(g)–(z) [Reserved]
(3) Lidocaine—as a local anesthetic. Use [72 FR 70484, Dec. 12, 2007, as amended at
requires a withdrawal period of 90 days 73 FR 54059, Sept. 18, 2008]
after administering to livestock intended
for slaughter and 7 days after administer- § 205.604 Nonsynthetic substances
ing to dairy animals. prohibited for use in organic livestock
production.
(4) Lime, hydrated—as an external pest con-
trol, not permitted to cauterize physical The following nonsynthetic substances may not
alterations or deodorize animal wastes. be used in organic livestock production:
(5) Mineral oil—for topical use and as a (a) Strychnine.
lubricant. (b)–(z) [Reserved]
(6) Procaine—as a local anesthetic, use
requires a withdrawal period of 90 days Subpart A—Definitions
after administering to livestock intended § 205.2 Terms defined. [Selected terms
for slaughter and 7 days after administer- relevant to livestock production]
ing to dairy animals.
Agricultural product. Any agricultural com-
(7) Sucrose oc t a noate e ster s (C A S modity or product, whether raw or processed,
#s– 42922–74–7; 58064– 47– 4)—in including any commodity or product derived
accordance with approved labeling. from livestock, that is marketed in the United
(c) As feed supplements—None. States for human or livestock consumption.
(d) As feed additives. AMDUCA. The Animal Medicinal Drug Use
Clarification Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103–396).
(1) DL–Methionine, DL–Methionine—
hydroxy analog, and DL–Methionine— Animal drug. Any drug as defined in section 201
hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #–59–51– of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,
8; 63–68–3; 348–67–4)—for use only in as amended (21 U.S.C. 321), that is intended for
organic poultry production until October use in livestock, including any drug intended for
1, 2010. use in livestock feed but not including such live-
stock feed.
(2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or
fortification when FDA approved. Audit trail. Documentation that is sufficient
to determine the source, transfer of ownership,
(3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortifi- and transportation of any agricultural product
cation when FDA approved. labeled as “100 percent organic,” the organic
(e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified ingredients of any agricultural product labeled
by the Environmental Protection Agency as “organic” or “made with organic (specified
(EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances ingredients)” or the organic ingredients of any
or synthetic substances listed in this section agricultural product containing less than 70 per-
and used as an active pesticide ingredient in cent organic ingredients identified as organic in
accordance with any limitations on the use of an ingredients statement.
such substances.
Biologics. All viruses, serums, toxins, and anal-
(1) EPA List 4—Inerts of Minimal Concern. ogous products of natural or synthetic origin,
such as diagnostics, antitoxins, vaccines, live
(2) [Reserved]
microorganisms, killed microorganisms, and the
(f) Excipients, only for use in the manufacture antigenic or immunizing components of micro-
of drugs used to treat organic livestock when organisms intended for use in the diagnosis,
the excipient is: Identified by the FDA as treatment, or prevention of diseases of animals.
Page 10 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

11. Breeder stock. Female livestock whose offspring an in-vessel or static aerated pile system must
may be incorporated into an organic operation maintain the composting materials at a tem-
at the time of their birth. perature between 131 °F and 170 °F for 3 days.
Producers using a windrow system must main-
Buffer zone. An area located between a certified
tain the composting materials at a temperature
production operation or portion of a production
between 131 °F and 170 °F for 15 days, during
operation and an adjacent land area that is not
which time, the materials must be turned a min-
maintained under organic management. A buffer
imum of five times.
zone must be sufficient in size or other features
(e.g., windbreaks or a diversion ditch) to prevent Crop. Pastures, cover crops, green manure crops,
the possibility of unintended contact by prohib- catch crops, or any plant or part of a plant
ited substances applied to adjacent land areas intended to be marketed as an agricultural prod-
with an area that is part of a certified operation. uct, fed to livestock, or used in the field to man-
Certified operation. A crop or livestock produc- age nutrients and soil fertility.
tion, wild-crop harvesting or handling operation, Disease vectors. Plants or animals that harbor or
or portion of such operation that is certified by an transmit disease organisms or pathogens which
accredited certifying agent as utilizing a system of may attack crops or livestock.
organic production or handling as described by
the Act and the regulations in this part. Dry lot. A fenced area that may be covered with
concrete, but that has little or no vegetative cover.
Certifying agent. Any entity accredited by the
Secretary as a certifying agent for the purpose Dry matter. The amount of a feedstuff remain-
of certifying a production or handling operation ing after all the free moisture is evaporated out.
as a certified production or handling operation. Dry matter demand. The expected dry matter
Claims. Oral, written, implied, or symbolic rep- intake for a class of animal.
resentations, statements, or advertising or other Dry matter intake. Total pounds of all feed,
forms of communication presented to the pub- devoid of all moisture, consumed by a class of
lic or buyers of agricultural products that relate animals over a given period of time.
to the organic certification process or the term,
“100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with Excipients. Any ingredients that are intentionally
organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),” added to livestock medications but do not exert
or, in the case of agricultural products contain- therapeutic or diagnostic effects at the intended
ing less than 70 percent organic ingredients, the dosage, although they may act to improve prod-
term, “organic,” on the ingredients panel. uct delivery (e.g., enhancing absorption or con-
trolling release of the drug substance). Examples
Class of animal. A group of livestock that shares of such ingredients include fi llers, extenders,
a similar stage of life or production. The classes diluents, wetting agents, solvents, emulsifiers,
of animals are those that are commonly listed preservatives, flavors, absorption enhancers, sus-
on feed labels. tained-release matrices, and coloring agents.
Commingling. Physical contact between unpack- Excluded methods. A variety of methods used to
aged organically produced and nonorganically genetically modify organisms or influence their
produced agricultural products during produc- growth and development by means that are not
tion, processing, transportation, storage or han- possible under natural conditions or processes
dling, other than during the manufacture of a
and are not considered compatible with organic
multiingredient product containing both types
production. Such methods include cell fusion,
of ingredients.
microencapsulation and macroencapsulation, and
Compost. The product of a managed process recombinant DNA technology (including gene
through which microorganisms break down plant deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign
and animal materials into more available forms gene, and changing the positions of genes when
suitable for application to the soil. Compost must achieved by recombinant DNA technology). Such
be produced through a process that combines methods do not include the use of traditional
plant and animal materials with an initial C:N breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridiza-
ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1. Producers using tion, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture.
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12. Feed. Edible materials which are consumed by livestock. Production yields or growth rates of
livestock for their nutritional value. Feed may livestock lower than the maximum achievable
be concentrates (grains) or roughages (hay, do not qualify as physical harm.
silage, fodder). The term, “feed,” encompasses
Label. A display of written, printed, or graphic
all agricultural commodities, including pasture
material on the immediate container of an agri-
ingested by livestock for nutritional purposes.
cultural product or any such material affi xed
Feed additive. A substance added to feed in to any agricultural product or affixed to a bulk
micro quantities to fulfill a specific nutritional container containing an agricultural product,
need; i.e., essential nutrients in the form of except for package liners or a display of written,
amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. printed, or graphic material which contains only
information about the weight of the product.
Feedlot. A dry lot for the controlled feeding of
livestock. Livestock. Any cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poul-
try, or equine animals used for food or in the
Feed supplement. A combination of feed nutri-
production of food, fiber, feed, or other agricul-
ents added to livestock feed to improve the
tural-based consumer products; wild or domes-
nutrient balance or performance of the total
ticated game; or other nonplant life, except such
ration and intended to be:
term shall not include aquatic animals for the
(1) Diluted with other feeds when fed to
production of food, fiber, feed, or other agricul-
livestock;
tural-based consumer products.
(2) Offered free choice with other parts of the
ration if separately available; or Manure. Feces, urine, other excrement, and bed-
(3) Further diluted and mixed to produce ding produced by livestock that has not been
a complete feed. composted.
Forage. Vegetative material in a fresh, dried, or Market information. Any written, printed, audio-
ensiled state (pasture, hay, or silage), which is fed visual, or graphic information, including adver-
to livestock. tising, pamphlets, flyers, catalogues, posters, and
signs, distributed, broadcast, or made available
Graze. (1) The consumption of standing or resid-
outside of retail outlets that are used to assist in
ual forage by livestock. (2) To put livestock to
the sale or promotion of a product.
feed on standing or residual forage.
National List. A list of allowed and prohibited
Grazing season. The period of time when pasture
substances as provided for in the Act.
is available for grazing, due to natural precipi-
tation or irrigation. Grazing season dates may Natural resources of the operation. The physical,
vary because of mid-summer heat/humidity, sig- hydrological, and biological features of a pro-
nificant precipitation events, floods, hurricanes, duction operation, including soil, water, wet-
droughts or winter weather events. Grazing sea- lands, woodlands, and wildlife.
son may be extended by the grazing of residual
Nonsynthetic (natural). A substance that is
forage as agreed in the operation’s organic sys-
derived from mineral, plant, or animal mat-
tem plan. Due to weather, season, or climate,
ter and does not undergo a synthetic process as
the grazing season may or may not be continu-
defined in section 6502(21) of the Act (7 U.S.C.
ous. Grazing season may range from 120 days
6502(21)). For the purposes of this part, non-
to 365 days, but not less than 120 days per year.
synthetic is used as a synonym for natural as the
Handler. Any person engaged in the business of term is used in the Act.
handling agricultural products, including pro-
Organic. A labeling term that refers to an agri-
ducers who handle crops or livestock of their
cultural product produced in accordance with
own production, except such term shall not
the Act and the regulations in this part.
include final retailers of agricultural products
that do not process agricultural products. Organic matter. The remains, residues, or waste
products of any organism.
Inclement weather. Weather that is violent, or
characterized by temperatures (high or low), Organic production. A production system that is
or characterized by excessive precipitation that managed in accordance with the Act and reg-
can cause physical harm to a given species of ulations in this part to respond to site-specific
Page 12 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

13. conditions by integrating cultural, biological, Residual forage. Forage cut and left to lie, or wind-
and mechanical practices that foster cycling of rowed and left to lie, in place in the pasture.
resources, promote ecological balance, and con-
Routine use of parasiticide. The regular, planned,
serve biodiversity.
or periodic use of parasiticides.
Organic system plan. A plan of management of an
organic production or handling operation that Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture or a rep-
has been agreed to by the producer or handler resentative to whom authority has been dele-
and the certifying agent and that includes writ- gated to act in the Secretary’s stead.
ten plans concerning all aspects of agricultural Shelter. Structures such as barns, sheds, or wind-
production or handling described in the Act and breaks; or natural areas such as woods, tree lines,
the regulations in subpart C of this part. large hedge rows, or geographic land features,
Pasture. Land used for livestock grazing that is that are designed or selected to provide physical
managed to provide feed value and maintain or protection or housing to all animals.
improve soil, water, and vegetative resources. Slaughter stock. Any animal that is intended to
Practice standard. The guidelines and require- be slaughtered for consumption by humans or
ments through which a production or handling other animals.
operation implements a required component of Soil and water quality. Observable indicators of
its production or handling organic system plan. the physical, chemical, or biological condition
A practice standard includes a series of allowed of soil and water, including the presence of envi-
and prohibited actions, materials, and conditions
ronmental contaminants.
to establish a minimum level performance for
planning, conducting, and maintaining a func- Split operation. An operation that produces or
tion, such as livestock health care or facility pest handles both organic and nonorganic agricul-
management, essential to an organic operation. tural products.
Processing. Cooking, baking, curing, heating, Stage of life. A discrete time period in an ani-
drying, mixing, grinding, churning, separating, mal’s life which requires specific management
extracting, slaughtering, cutting, fermenting, practices different than during other periods
distilling, eviscerating, preserving, dehydrating, (e.g., poultry during feathering). Breeding,
freezing, chilling, or otherwise manufacturing freshening, lactation and other recurring events
and includes the packaging, canning, jarring, or are not a stage of life.
otherwise enclosing food in a container.
Synthetic. A substance that is formulated or
Producer. A person who engages in the business manufactured by a chemical process or by a
of growing or producing food, fiber, feed, and process that chemically changes a substance
other agricultural-based consumer products. extracted from naturally occurring plant, ani-
Production lot number/identifier. Identification of mal, or mineral sources, except that such term
a product based on the production sequence of shall not apply to substances created by natu-
the product showing the date, time, and place rally occurring biological processes.
of production used for quality control purposes. Temporary and Temporarily. Occurring for a lim-
Prohibited substance. A substance the use of ited time only (e.g., overnight, throughout a storm,
which in any aspect of organic production or during a period of illness, the period of time
handling is prohibited or not provided for in the specified by the Administrator when granting a
Act or the regulations of this part. temporary variance), not permanent or lasting.
Records. Any information in written, visual, or Yards/Feeding pad. An area for feeding, exercis-
electronic form that documents the activities ing, and outdoor access for livestock during the
undertaken by a producer, handler, or certifying non-grazing season and a high traffic area where
agent to comply with the Act and regulations in animals may receive supplemental feeding dur-
this part. ing the grazing season.
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14. Notes
Page 14 ATTRA Organic Standards for Livestock Production

15. Notes
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16. Organic Standards for Livestock Production
Excerpts of USDA’s National Organic Program Regulations
By Ann H. Baier
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
© 2010 NCAT
Holly Michels, Editor
Amy Smith, Production
This publication is available on the Web at:
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/nopstandard_livestock.html
or
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/nopstandard_livestock.pdf
IP334
Slot 331
Version 091510
Page 16 ATTRA