SELECTION OF CATTLE BREEDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION

Organic cattle production is managed differently than conventional one. Organic cattle farming is an ecological management system that maintains and enhances soil fertility, promotes ecological balance, animal health and conserves biodiversity. No synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers or GMOs are allowed on the land or within production, including in cattle feed. Organic cattle feed must not contain hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, or synthetic chemicals, and with their restriction and with an emphasis on pasture grazing, organic cattle breeding benefit people, the environment and animals welfare too. By creating of criteria for selection of dairy and beef cattle breeds and their ranking, can contribute to our farmers for better organic production. The share of organic cattle is 7 528 heads (5.1%) in the total number of cattle in 2023 in the RN Macedonia.