Feed supplements versus health care inputs

Certain products used can be considered feed supplements or health care inputs, depending on how they’re used in organic livestock production. Compliance requirements for feed supplements and health care inputs are different. Your intended use of a product will determine its review and if it can be approved.

What is considered a feed supplement?

Feed supplements are used as part of an animal’s diet to help meet their nutritional needs. Feed supplements must meet organic livestock feed requirements. All agricultural ingredients — including kelp — must be certified organic. Synthetic ingredients must be approved for use in livestock feed per the National List.

What is considered a health care input?

Health care inputs treat and/or prevent disease. Inputs are not subject to organic feed requirements, so they may include non-organic agricultural ingredients and kelp. However, all synthetic ingredients must be approved for use in livestock feed or healthcare per the National List.

How does OTCO determine if a product is a supplement or health care input?

Products added to the feed ration or fed on a regular basis are considered feed supplements. They provide a nutritional benefit and must comply with all livestock feed requirements.

Products provided periodically to treat a health concern or for disease prevention purposes, no matter how they are administered, may be reviewed against health care requirements. OTCO takes into account how you plan to use a product to determine compliance; select products may be marketed or used to meet either nutritional needs or provide health care benefits. In all situations, check with OTCO that a product is approved as a supplement or input prior to use.