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Organic Feed and Nutrition Requirements for Livestock
Summary: Organic livestock must be fed certified organic feed that meets their nutritional needs without prohibited additives. Feed rations can include certified organic grains, forages, kelp, and approved supplements.
All ingredients must comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards. Feeding livestock any prohibited materials will result in permanent loss of organic certification.
Why Organic Feed Compliance Matters
Livestock feed plays a central role in maintaining organic certification. Your Organic System Plan (OSP) must demonstrate how your feed sources, rations, and supplements meet organic regulations.
Strong feed practices ensure:
- Animal health and productivity
- Compliance with USDA organic standards
- Transparency for inspections and audits
- Protection against contamination and prohibited substances
Basic Feed Requirements
What are the core requirements for organic livestock feed?
- All agricultural feed ingredients must be certified organic
This includes:- Grains: corn, oats, barleyBean and seed meals: soybean meal, flax mealForages: hay, silage, pastureKelp (certified organic)
- Allowed non-agricultural, non-synthetic ingredients
Permitted if not prohibited on the National List, including:- Fishmeal (without synthetic preservatives)
- Blue-green algae
- Probiotics and microbes (e.g., yeast, bacteria) — must be non-GMO
- Allowed synthetic feed additives must be approved
These must appear on the National List. Approved examples include:- DL-Methionine (for poultry, within specific limits)
- Trace minerals and vitamins (fortification or enrichment only)
Any synthetic ingredient must be reviewed and approved by Oregon Tilth before use. - Feed carriers and binding agents (e.g., molasses) must also be certified organic if agricultural.
Watch this video from the Washington State Department of Agriculture for a detailed explanation of feed requirements for organic livestock.
Complete Feed vs. Custom Rations
What’s the difference?
- Complete Feed:
Pre-formulated and certified organic by the manufacturer. Offers peace of mind — all ingredients meet organic requirements.
- Custom Feed Rations:
If you mix your own feed using individual ingredients, supplements, or additives:- Submit all ingredients to OTCO for review
- Document their origin and compliance
- Use lot numbers for traceability
Unique Feed Ingredients: What You Can and Can’t Use
| Ingredient | Allowed in Organic Feed? | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Kelp | Yes | Must be certified organic |
| Fish/Crab Meal | Yes | No synthetic preservatives (e.g., ethoxyquin) |
| DL-Methionine | Yes | Only for poultry, with limits |
| Probiotics & Microbes | Yes | Must be non-GMO |
| Gelatin, Bone Meal, Blood Meal | No | Derived from slaughter by-products |
| Manure or Urea | No | Strictly prohibited |
Prohibited Ingredients and Practices
What is not allowed in organic livestock feed?
- Synthetic ingredients not on the National List
- Manure or urea
- Slaughter by-products (blood, meat, bone meal, gelatin, bone charcoal)
- Growth-promoting drugs or hormones
- Antibiotics or ionophores
- Feed additives exceeding nutritional needs
- Non-organic agricultural ingredients
- Genetically engineered vitamins/minerals
- Anything that violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- Feeding non-organic feed temporarily — not allowed under any circumstance
Reminder: Products that are certified organic for human consumption may not be compliant for certified organic livestock feed.
Livestock that consumes a prohibited material loses organic certification permanently.
Feed Supplements vs. Health Care Inputs
Some products may be either feed supplements or animal health inputs depending on how you use them.
What’s the difference?
| Category | Use | Compliance Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Supplements | Part of the daily diet | Must meet organic feed standards. Agricultural ingredients must be certified organic. Synthetic ingredients must be approved. |
| Health Care Inputs | Used to treat or prevent illness | Must meet health input standards. May include non-organic ingredients but must be reviewed. |
Examples:
- Daily probiotic in feed = supplement
- Probiotic given during illness = health care input
OTCO will determine classification based on intended use. Always submit products for review before use.
Resources to Determine Nutritional Needs
The NOP requires that rations meet the full nutritional needs of your animals. These resources can help:
Recommended References:
- USDA Organic Livestock Producer Guide (NOP Handbook)
- Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (National Academies)
- Feedstuffs Magazine
- Morrison’s Feeds and Feeding
- ATTRA / NCAT Livestock Resources
- eOrganic Livestock Nutrition Library
- USDA Pasture Rule Guidance
- USDA National Agricultural Library, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
- USDA National Organic Program resources on ruminant livestock feed rations:
Helpful Webinars:
Tip: Not all veterinarians or nutritionists are familiar with organic standards. Always submit feed rations and supplements to OTCO before use.