Organic production systems in europe (bovine cattle) - review

Sistemas de producción ecológica en europa (ganado bovino) – revisión

Abstract

This paper is a bibliographic review whose objectives are to compile the characteristics of organic beef cattle production in Europe, as well as a comparison with other existing production systems and strategies from a legal, production, product quality and consumer perception point of view. This type of organic production is characterized by its management, feeding and the differentiated installation used, regulated by legislation that is in continuous development to offer a product that reduces its impact on the carbon footprint, guaranteeing biodiversity, animal welfare and the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, as it is a system that depends to a large extent on the weather to obtain fodder, as occurs in extensive systems, it is essential to adapt the farm to the area where it is located in order to maximise the self-sufficiency of fodder resources. In relation to the final product obtained (meat), this has similar physico-chemical and sensory characteristics to those obtained from conventional systems, thus opening a new market accompanied by specific labelling aimed at a consumer concerned with acquiring a more responsible product. It can conclude that organic cattle production systems are a booming alternative, economically profitable and that in addition to maintaining very high-quality standards, they contribute to a more sustainable development of the beef market.