During a vibrant international event in the city council hall of the province of Overijssel in Zwolle, the Dutch platform ‘Natuurlijke Veehouderij’ and the international association for Natural Livestock Farming was launched on 1 October 2015.

Farmers, veterinarians and dairy experts from India, Uganda, Ethiopia and Netherlands work together to minimize the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in dairy farming. A broad range of practical solutions were shared and discussed during the launching event.

 

 

Natural livestock farming can be achieved through a five layer strategy:

1. Improve animal and farm management, adapt the animals and farm to local ecosystems and circumstances and keep resilient breeds.
2. Strategic use of local breeds.
3. Use ethno-veterinary practices including medicinal plants to treat sick animals.
4. Ensure effective milk quality control.
5. Arrange for extra payment for milk and dairy products that are high quality and residue free.

Some 175 people from more then 10 countries participated in the symposium and agreed that natural livestock farming is possible if we are able and willing to combine different expertise in dairy from India, Africa and the Netherlands.

For more information:

• Report on the test with herbal recipe from India to treat high celcount: http://www.naturallivestockfarming.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RIKILT-Rapport-2015-Ayurvediusche-kruiden-bij-Hollandse-Koeproblemen1.pdf
• Link to trial with herbal recipe for treating calf diarrhea http://www.naturallivestockfarming.com/portfolio/on-farm-research-with-herbal-remedies/
• Policybrief: http://www.naturallivestockfarming.com/uncategorized/policy-brief-the-transition-to-natural-dairy-farming/
• A Film on the exchange visit between Dutch and Ugandan dairy farmers on milk dilemma in Africa:

http://www.omropfryslan.nl/nieuws/omrop-tip-melkdilemma-afrika

Dutch Platform Natuurlijke Veehouderij is initiatied by RIKILT Wageningen UR, Nederlands Vereniging Fytotherapie, Dutch Farm Experience, Louis Bolk Institute and Veterinair Kenniscentrum Oost Nederland. International website: www.naturallivestockfarming.com The website for the Dutch Platform will soon be online. www.natuurlijkeveehouderij.nl