The Practicalities and Economics of Ethologically and Ecologically Raised Double Suckled Beef

ABSTRACT

It is widely believed that beef production fulfilling the majority of the criteria for ethological and ecological husbandry is less productive and less economic than conventional beef production. It is commonly believed that organic ethologically and ecologically sound beef production must rely on premium prices. The management, production and economic performance from 1990 to 1996 of a herd of double suckling South Devon cattle on an ecological farm within the Dartmoor National Park, U.K., indicates that animal welfare, ecological, public health and aesthetic concerns can be dramatically reduced, and that this can be accompanied by better economic performance than on conventional suckler systems. The management system is outlined and its strengths and weaknesses assessed.