Organic animal farming has emerged as a key component of organic agricultural practices, often involving the integration of livestock into crop systems or pastures. These animals play an active role in maintaining ecological balance by naturally controlling weeds and pests—examples include rice-field duck farming, rice-crab farming, and fruit-forest chicken rearing. The size of such operations is typically constrained by the availability of feed. Farmers should avoid expanding their herds solely for profit maximization; instead, they must carefully assess and match the breeding scale with the capacity of their feed supply.
Organic standards promote the use of locally produced organic feed from within the farm or nearby organic farms. This approach offers several advantages. First, it gives farmers greater control over feed quality, ensuring nutritional diversity and reducing costs associated with transportation. Second, it minimizes long-distance transport, thereby lowering energy consumption and aligning more closely with the principles of organic agriculture. Third, it allows for the efficient utilization of on-farm waste, such as manure and bedding, which can be recycled back into the soil.
In cases of unexpected feed shortages, conventional feed may be used temporarily, but only after approval from a certification body and in compliance with specific regulations. Many farmers mistakenly believe that non-organic feed can be used freely, overlooking the strict guidelines and the core values of organic farming.
The organic product standard takes into account the natural behavior of animals, setting minimum requirements for roughage in their diets. While herbivores have specific guidelines, omnivores are not subject to strict rules, but they still need daily access to roughage, green hay, or silage. This can sometimes affect animal performance. When possible, grazing systems are a great alternative, helping to meet roughage needs while also providing essential minerals and trace elements.
Another common misconception among farmers is that no feed additives can be used in organic farming. This is not entirely true. Although many synthetic additives are prohibited, natural sources of minerals and vitamins are allowed. For instance, in the EU and Canada, conventional sources of vitamins and minerals are permitted if natural alternatives are unavailable or insufficient. Following recent updates to China’s organic standards, the sourcing of vitamins and minerals has also been regulated to ensure alignment with organic principles.
Ball Cock
A ballcock (also balltap or float valve) is a mechanism or machine for filling water tanks, such as those found in flush toilets, while avoiding overflow and (in the event of low water pressure) backflow. The modern ballcock was invented by José Antonio de Alzate y RamÃrez, a Mexican priest and scientist, who described the device in 1790 in the Gaceta de Literatura Méxicana.[1] It consists of a valve connected to a hollow sealed float by means of a lever, mounted near the top of the tank. The float is often ball-shaped, hence the name ballcock. The valve is connected to the incoming water supply, and is opened and closed by the lever which has the float mounted on the end. When the water level rises, the float rises with it; once it rises to a pre-set level, the mechanism forces the lever to close the valve and shut off the water flow. This is an example of negative feedback and of proportional control.
Ball Cock, Brass Ball Bibcock, Ballcock Valve, Toilet Ballcock Valve
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