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 Horizon Organic consults with Dr. Hubert Karreman, a leading expert in natural and homeopathic veterinary medicine and author of Treating Dairy Cows Naturally; Thoughts and Strategies. Dr. Karreman is a trusted advisor for our company-owned dairies and many of our family farmer partners.  Organic herd health is not a simple matter of substituting a natural treatment product for a synthetic one (such as antibiotics). Organic farmers need to think about solutions to health problems from many angles. And even more importantly, successful organic dairy farming requires constant attentive care to prevent health problems before they arise. When animals are cared for under organic practices and fed appropriately for their age, size and lactation needs, their immune systems are able to respond more quickly when confronted with challenges. In other words, well cared-for cows are better able to maintain health without antibiotics or other synthetic treatments. On an organic farm, optimum care means close daily attention, exercise, fresh air and, of course, a high forage organic diet. The best method for feeding organic cows is to grow as much high quality forage and hay as possible, and graze as much as possible. The organic method works toward a goal of optimal milk production and cow health; a contrast to conventional farms that seek to maximize milk production, too often, unfortunately, at the expense of cow health. The benefits of optimal milk production become clear when we consider issues of longevity. Cows often live longer on organic farms, easily staying in the herd for five or more lactations, while conventional cows are often culled after only two to three lactations. A cow will tell you how well she is cared for by how long she stays in the herd. The importance of close monitoring and rapid response cannot be overemphasized in organic cow care. Most natural treatments attempt to stimulate the animal's immune system, thereby strengthening its ability to overcome a challenge without the use of antibiotics and hormones. By intervening at the first sign of ill health, the organic farmer can help stimulate the cow's immune system promptly, allowing the animal to mount its best defense. This urgency is one of the key factors of organic cow care . In organic herds, as in conventional, many health problems require ordinary solutions - calving difficulties require manual correction, lame cows need to have their hooves inspected closely and so on. Additionally, some over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin and iodine are allowed under organic regulations. These approaches, when combined with botanicals and homeopathic remedies have a proven record of success - especially when administered early. —Dr. Hubert Karreman |
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