Resumo

ESPINOZA-VILLAVICENCIO, José Luis et al. ORGANIC LIVESTOCK, AN ALTERNATIVE OF CATTLE DEVELOPMENT FOR SOME REGIONS OF MEXICO: A REVIEW. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.6, pp.385-390. ISSN 0378-1844.

There is an increasing interest for sustainable forms of livestock production systems, which should provide a balanced relationship between environmental, socio-cultural and economic factors. Concerning environmental protection, the basic standards of organic farming are suited to markedly reduce environmental pollution and nutrient losses on the farm level. With reference to the animal health situation in both organic and conventional farms, comparative studies show that currently there seem to be no fundamental differences between the production methods. In relation to animal welfare, organic livestock farming, based on minimal standards, provide several preconditions for good living conditions of farm animals. Concerning product quality, there is little evidence for a system related effect on product quality due to the production method. In Mexico, organic agriculture is mainly practiced by small producers through the participation and encouragement of nongovernmental organizations. However, the area used for cattle ranching under this production system is very limited, considering the potential of the widespread natural grass areas in various agroecological regions of the country.

Palavras-chave : Ganadería Orgánica ; Ganadería Sostenible ; Rumiantes .