Alternative
Approaches
to Livestock
Health Survey
ReportJanuary 2022

© Copyright Meg and Dale Walters - Slawston Grange EstateIndexSummary Report with Key Findings

1

Dairy Summary

9

Background and Methodology

15

Research Findings

20

Glossary

41

Appendix 1: Literature Review

44

Appendix 2: Reading List

53

Appendix 3: The Survey

59

Contact Details

75© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey ReportiiSummary Reportwith Key Findings© Copyright Jane Dobson - Broadstone Rare Breeds

Introduction
One of WHAg´s aims is to understand which
salutogenic practices livestock farmers
use successfully, and how these practices
impact their use of antimicrobials and otherconventional health treatments.
However, apart from ‘anecdotal’ success stories and casehistories, there is little in the way of documented researchthat includes the farmer’s experience when assessing
outcomes of alternative approaches to livestock health.
Omitting to investigate and record the experiences of
farmers who successfully reduce and/or maintain low
or zero usage of antimicrobials, means that the potential
for any credible alternatives which may facilitate lower
antibiotic usage in farming remains unevaluated.
During 2020 Whole Health Agriculture (WHAg) recruited
221 farmers to take part in a survey on Alternative
Approaches to Livestock Health.

Respondents were recruited via our own network andthrough our associate organisations. The aim was tocollect as much information as possible about farmers’learning and use of CAMs, and the results thereof.
The main enterprises represented by respondents
are: sheep, beef, dairy, poultry layers and pig farmers;
many are mixed farmers. The size of farm varies fromsmall family farms up to large scale conventional dairy
units of 900 dairy cows (median = 150 cows among 70
dairy farmers), with the majority of all farms (80%) beingcommercial.
Most respondents have done some training in CAMs,
e.g. course, webinar (82%). Among the dairy farmers, 95%
have done a course.
All percentages given are based on numbers who have
responded to each question.

The survey ran from May 2020 till January 2021. The
inclusion criteria were that respondents must be livestock
farmers and use at least one Complementary andAlternative Medicine/Method (CAM) in their livestock
health management.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report2What Farmers Use
The most frequently used CAM is
homeopathy (88%), followed by herbs
and medicinal plants (68%), essential
oils, plant oils and derivatives (63%), andfermented foods (46%).

Homeopathy

Herbs and medicinal plants

Essential oils, plant oils & derivatives

Fermented foods

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

How Farmers Use CAMs
Most farmers respond that they use
CAMs to prevent disease (88%), foracutes/as first aid including infections,injuries, birthing problems (86%),
routinely at stressful events such as
weaning tail ringing, transport andvet visits (86%) and for chronic healthproblems such as infertility andlameness (71%).

Prevent disease

First aid, injuries, birthing problems

Routine stresses (weaning, tail ringing, transport, vet visits)

Chronic health (infertility, lameness)0%© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report90%3What Farmers
Achieve via CAMs
84% of farmers respond that CAMs have contributed to,or resulted in, improved general health and wellbeing of
their livestock, and 65% note lower disease frequency
and/or less severity of disease overall.
When we look at specific measurable markers based on
figures that farmers are required to record, 66% reportlower vet and medicine costs, and 65% respond that
their use of CAMs has resulted in or contributed to zero,
low or reduced antibiotic usage. Among dairy farmers,
these figures are even higher: 71% report lower vet andmedicine costs, while 69% report zero, low or reduced
antibiotic usage.
40% overall report zero, low or reduced wormer usage
and 36% report reduced frequency or severity oflameness.

One third of all farmers, and more than half of dairy
farmers, report increased financial profitability of the farm.
Furthermore, farmers report that using CAMs helps
them to: reduce the usage of antibiotics and other
antimicrobials (65%), which rises to 69% in dairy farmers;
reduce vet and medicine costs (66%), dairy farmers
71%; and improve the overall health and welfare of theirlivestock (84%) dairy farmers 90%. They also report lower
disease frequency and/or reduced severity of disease(65%), dairy farmers 67%.
Over 50% of dairy farmers claim less frequent/severe
mastitis and lower cell counts, while an impressive 69% ofdairy farmers record fewer cases of milk withdrawal.

71%

66%

O F DA IR Y F AR M E R S NO TE D

LOWER VET AND
MEDICINE COSTS

OF ALL FARMERS NOTEDLOWER VET AND
MEDICINE COSTS

65%
I can’t proveO F A L L F A R M E R S S TATE D

ZERO, LOW
OR REDUCEDANTIBIOTIC USAGE

it works, but
we get a lot of
coincidences if it doesn’t!
© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

69%

O F DA IR Y F AR M E R S S TA TED

ZERO, LOW
OR REDUCEDANTIBIOTIC USAGE

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report4Antibiotics
Almost 60% report that CAMs have helped them maintainor achieve low usage of antibiotics and/or reduce theirantibiotics usage overall.
24% report that using CAMs has helped them maintainor achieve zero usage of antibiotics. Of these, 80% arecommercial farmers.
A third of farmers respond that they have made/aremaking efforts to reduce antibiotics usage or use no
antibiotics at all based on a wish to combat AMR andcontribute to the health of their livestock and the wider
environment, and/or in response to their customers.
The top three infections successfully resolved without
antibiotics are reported to be diarrhoea, mastitis, andinfected wounds.

It is worth looking at ALL
alternatives to antibiotic use as
we are fast heading towards
the nightmare scenario of
antibiotic resistance in humandisease treatment. This is too
important to ignore!

Dairy farmers appear to do particularly well withhomeopathy for infections with 74% reporting successfor mastitis, 60% for metritis/retained placenta, and63% stating that homeopathy has resolved cases ofscoursdiarrhoea.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report5How CAM has Influenced
Farming Practice
According to what farmers report, CAMs have had a significant influence on farming practice. The most frequently
reported changes are: a more wholistic approach to health management (85%); better observation (82%); and earlyintervention when there is a problem (71%). Using CAMs has also led 66% of farmers to pay better attention to theiranimals´ wellbeing.

The Veterinary Profession
It is encouraging that 30% of farmers report that their
vet is positive towards their use of CAMs. The trend ingeneral, however, is that vets have little knowledgeof CAMs and are sceptical, particularly towards
homeopathy, which results in farmers keeping quiet
about their usage and their successes.
Some report that they find their vet to be led by sales (ofproducts) and that vets seem to see CAMs usage as athreat to their profession. Farmers also report a concernthat vets do not support them to reduce antibiotics, andthat they sometimes ‘push’ conventional medicine.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

You will get funny comments
when you mention you
use methods such as
homeopathy but don’t bedeterred. It´s all in the bestinterest of the animals´health and at the same time
reducing antibiotics

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report6In the Farmer’s VoiceWe asked farmers to share their biggest ‘Eureka’ or‘lightbulb’ moments arising from their use of CAMs.
Responses largely fall into four themes: becoming
empowered around disease prevention; effective stress
reduction; success with the treatment of acute; and ofchronic conditions.

The watery mouth nosode has
saved us £1800 over the last
three years

My most impacting Eureka
moment was to realise that
PREVENTION is better thancureWhen asked what advice respondents would give toother farmers, the most popular suggestions are: beopen minded, educate yourself, introduce CAMs step bystep, and seek support.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

I would advise any farmer tothink about and use alternative
methods to replace routine useof antibiotics and conventional
drugs, to see the benefits ofalternative medicine for ahealthy stock, knowing thatyou are producing drug-free
healthy meat

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report7Discussion andRecommendations
Evidence-based veterinary medicine isbuilt on the following pillars: randomised
controlled studies, clinician experience,
the owners´ values and choices, and thepatient’s circumstances. In this context andto make informed decisions, the farmer’s
voice is important. In this survey the farmers
have shared insights and knowledge which
may otherwise have remained tacit.

The evidence base for modalities such as homeopathy
and herbal medicine is growing. The question is, what
keeps us back from offering CAMs at least as an optional
speciality in agricultural colleges and in veterinary
education, as is currently the case in some countries?
Given the continuing threat of AMR, combined with thesystemic effects of many conventional interventions used
to excess in farming, can we afford to wait?

Due to the threat of AMR, farmers and vets are asked toreduce the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials.
The role of the vet is also changing; from diagnosing andprescribing towards giving advice on prevention and how
to keep animals healthy.
This survey suggests that learning and integrating CAMs
has the potential to fill a knowledge gap for both farmers
and vets in the quest for better tools to prevent disease
and improve livestock health.
There appears to be a growing trend amongsupermarkets and milk buyers for farmers to reduce
antibiotics based on market demand, not just legislation.
This is even stronger among the dairy sector with someorganic milk buyers aiming to move all their members to
Produced Without Antibiotics (PWAB) status.
Based on global health needs, industry trends, and theinformation on CAMs that our farmers have generously
shared with us, WHAg strongly recommends that thepotential for CAM-led approaches to livestock health arefurther investigated and documented, AND that farmers
seeking alternatives are better supported, particularly byindustry bodies.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Regular use of CAMs leads toimproved livestock resilience,
which gives me confidence anda feeling of empowerment

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report8Dairy Summary© Helen Browning’s Organics

Overview of the Use of CAM
among Dairy Farmers
From May 2020 till January 2021 Whole Health Agriculture(WHAg) surveyed 221 livestock farmers who use at least
one Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Method(CAM) in their livestock health management. The survey
was developed in collaboration with, and piloted by, agroup of commercial farmers, 4 dairy, 1 sheep, 1 mixed(beef and poultry) farmer.

The responses of 70 commercial dairy farmers whocompleted the survey are reported in this overview. The
minimum unit size per respondent is 10 cows (milkers)
and the maximum is 900. (Median number of milking
cows per farmer = 150.)

I have not lost any cow tomastitis since I have started
using homeopathy© Jackie Pearce-Dickens© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report10Results of Using CAMs
Health and antibiotic usage
I was able to take a diﬀerent
perspective on health and a deeper
understanding of the importance ofa healthy environment90%

O F D AIRY F ARME RS E XP E RIE NCE D

IMPROVED HERD HEALTH& WELLBEING

69%

OF D A IR Y F A R M ERS STATE D

ZERO, LOW
OR REDUCEDANTIBIOTIC USAGE67%

OF DAIRY FARMERS EXPERIENCED

LOWER DISEASE FREQUENCY/
REDUCED SEVERITY OF DISEASE

It has heightened my conﬁdence totake responsibility for the health andwellbeing of my stock54%
OF DAIRY FARMERS NOTELESS FREQUENT/SEVERE MASTITIS+ 52% LOWER
CELL COUNTS© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report11Results of Using CAMs
Productivity, Costs & Proﬁtability

69%

OF DAIRY FARMERS STATEDFEWER CASES OFMILK WITHDRAWAL

52%

OF DAIRY FARMERS REPORTEDINCREASED FINANCIAL
PROFITABILITY OF
THE FARM

71%

OF D A IR Y F A R M ERS NOTE D

LOWER VET AND
MEDICINE COSTS© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

I rarely need to use tubes any more

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report12Results on the Use of CAMs:
Dairy Farmers
This question was based on markers that farmers are requested to report, and/or consider
to be important.
Total

Dairy

Improved general health and wellbeing of livestock

84%

90%

Lower vet and medicine costs

66%

71%

Zero, low or reduced antibiotic usage

65%

69%

Fewer incidences of milk withdrawal

26%

69%

Lower disease frequency and/or reduced severity of disease

65%

67%

Reduced frequency or severity of mastitis

30%

54%

Lower cell counts

20%

52%

Increased financial profitability of farm

33%

52%

Higher fertility rate

22%

40%

Reduced frequency or severity of lameness

36%

40%

Lower cull rate/re-stocking rate

26%

36%

Zero, low or reduced wormer usage

40%

31%

Higher live birth rate

24%

22%

The calves come back stronger following homeopathic
treatment. Having seen the results, the staff are now willingto bring protocols for treating mastitis into the parlour© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report13Summary of the Use of CAMs
among Dairy Farmers
As an industry, dairy farmers are under unique pressure
in relation to antibiotic usage. Many milk suppliers(themselves under pressure from their buyers) are setting
ambitiously low usage targets, and some organic milkbuyers are making Produced Without Antibiotics (PWAB)
a requirement of membership.
‘Antibiotic-free’ is becoming a buzz word among
conscious consumers where the dairy industry is also
being squeezed by the rise of ‘healthier’ plant-basedalternatives.
For the dairy farmer wanting to make changes, withoutcompromising welfare, there is insufficient information,
support or training offering effective alternative healthsolutions. There is clearly a gap between demand andwhat is available to health-conscious farmers.

I had a meeting with myaccountant today and hesaid to me wide eyed: “Yourveterinary expenses arevery impressive, down by
a whopping 64% on theprevious year”

Based on global health needs, dairy industry trends, andthe result of this survey, WHAg strongly recommends
that the potential for CAM-led approaches to dairy cow
and calf health are further investigated and documented.
Furthermore, that dairy farmers seeking alternatives are
better supported, particularly by industry bodies.

Our milk buyer has asked the whole supplier group to work
towards zero use of critical antibiotics and reduced useof them generally. Apparently this is due to the increased
questioning coming from their buyers© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report14

Backgroundand Methodology© Annie Spratt

Background
Whole Health Agriculture (WHAg) was set up in 2019and is committed to supporting and promoting farmers
and farming practices that reduce the need for synthetic
chemicals, antibiotics, and invasive interventions.
Critical to achieving our aim is an in-depth understandingof which salutogenic practices livestock farmers use
successfully, and how these practices impact their use of
antimicrobials and other conventional health treatments.
However, apart from ‘anecdotal’ success stories andcase histories, there was little in the way of documented
research that included the farmer’s experience whenassessing outcomes of alternative approaches tolivestock health. Indeed, our searches revealed nostudies with livestock farmers on the non-conventional
health practices and products that they use and finduseful.

Omitting to investigate and record the experiences of
farmers who successfully reduce and/or maintain low
or zero usage of antimicrobials, means that the potential
for any credible alternatives which may facilitate lower
antibiotic usage in farming remains unevaluated.
Our priority at WHAg, therefore, was to gather up-to-date
information from livestock farmers themselves about any
non-conventional methods, products and approaches
they use. We determined to collect data via a survey
aimed at farmers who use at least one method, modality
or product defined as CAMs*.

We considered this to be an omission that needed
addressing urgently, particularly in light of increasing
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which threatens humanhealth and for which farmers are held partly responsible.

*For the purpose of our survey we defined CAMs as any non-pharmaceutical method, practice or product including: herbs or herbal
remedies, medicinal plants, fermented foods, pre/probiotics, homeopathy, essences such as Rescue Remedy®, neem/essential
oils, Uddermint®, Obsalim® technique, CowSignals®, acupuncture, physio/massage, ‘energy healing’ etc.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report

16

Objectives
The overall aim of the survey was to gather informationfrom farmers who incorporate non-conventional or
alternative approaches into their livestock healthmanagement, in order to identify those practices,
methods and products which:•are used to successfully manage livestock health•have the potential to reduce or refine the usageof antibiotics and other conventional healthinterventions•

are worthy of further research and/or knowledgetransfer

A key objective was to ensure that we documented
real life, experience-based, often tacit, knowledge andpractical information from farmers, with the aim thataccessing and sharing such knowledge could increase
our understanding and help us better support andpromote salutogenic farming practices.

© Jane Dobson - Broadstone Rare Breeds© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report17Methodology
In 2020, over a period of six months from May till October,with design input from livestock farmers and researchers
from organic farming and CAM research communities,
we piloted and conducted an online survey using
SurveyMonkey. Six livestock farmers were piloting thesurvey several times before the final survey was sent out
to farmers in our network in May 2020.

Ethics

The survey was co-ordinated and anlaysed in-house by
the WHAg team and with the help of a Data Analyst.

Participants were also asked to agree to their data being
stored according with General Data Protection Rules

To gain quality data on livestock health management
practices and farmer experiences of using CAMs, weused a blend of closed questions (typically ‘tick all that
apply’) with several qualitative, open-ended questions toensure we got the authentic farmers´ voices.

Before participating in the survey, farmers were
informed that:•

confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed.

•

responses would be used in aggregate form, and any
quotations would be non-attributable.

(GDPR).
The project received no external funding.

Acknowledgements

SampleInclusion criteria were that respondents must farm
livestock and incorporate at least one CAM into theirlivestock health management system.
In addition to promoting the survey via our mailing lists
and social media accounts, we recruited respondents
via live farming events such as the Oxford Real Farming
Conference, and enlisted the help of Homeopathy
at Wellie Level who promoted the survey to farmers
who had done their farm homeopathy course. Other
organisations helped spread the word via theirmembership, including the Soil Association, Agricology,
Rare Breeds UK, the Biodynamic Association and theOrganic Research Centre.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

We would like to thank Lindsay Whistance, PhD, senior
livestock researcher at the Organic Research Centre, who
has given us invaluable feedback throughout the process.
Likewise, Philippa Fibert, PhD, Institute of Population
Health at Queen Mary, University of London, who gave
us input in the early stages and asked useful questions.
Anders Sandbu, MSc Data Science helped us analyse theresults from Survey Monkey. Your combined hard work,
constructive criticism and support have been invaluable.
In addition, we are grateful to the pilot group of four dairy
farmers, one sheep farmer and one mixed farmer whopatiently piloted the survey several times to help us makethis survey “a survey by farmers for farmers”. Your voices
are important.
A warm thank you goes to everybody in our network whohelped us disseminate the survey: Homeopathy at Wellie
Level, Organic Research Centre, The Soil Association,
Agricology, The Biodynamic Association, The Rare
Breeds Survival Trust and WHAg farmers.

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report18

Respondent Base
221 farmers responded to the survey. The large
majority (85% or 187) being farm owners or family farmmembers. 95% come from the UK and Ireland (179 and
30 respectively), while the remaining 12 respondents,
including two farm vets, are spread between Brazil,
USA, Austria, Norway, France, Spain, New Zealand andAustralia.
80% respond that they rear commercially or partcommercially for national or local supply chains. Somealso have international contracts. Two thirds of all
respondents farm organically or biodynamically, of which
60% are accredited with certification.

Many respondents run a mix of livestock enterprises, thehighest numbers being for beef (53%), sheep (54%), dairy(41%), poultry (37%) and pigs (23%). Other mentions include
goats, cameloids and equines.
Median numbers for livestock, (all responses included),
whether the main enterprise or not, are as follows: 150
dairy cows (range 1-900), 80 sheep (range 3-1,720), 15
beef (range 2-500), 40 pigs (range 3-500), 50 poultry
meat birds (range 10-3000), 20 poultry layers (range
5-1000) and 8 goats (range 1-200).

© Copyright Chris Aukland© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report19Research Findings© Mark Measures

What CAMs Do Farmers
Use?
The CAM used the most by respondents is homeopathy*,
followed by herbs, then essential oils. (*NB see sample
for context.)

Other products mentioned include: effective microorganisms, biodynamic preparations, diatomaceous earth
for internal parasites and lice, dietary charcoal, colloidal
silver.

Other good husbandry practices worth a mention
include various pasture management systems to breakparasite cycles, selective breeding for resilience, various
approaches to minimise livestock stress and optimise
livestock wellbeing.

Homeopathic remedies including nosodes

88% (191)

Herbs and medicinal plants, herbal leys, wormers, tinctures

68% (146)..Essential/Plant Oils (e.g. Tea Tree, Neem) and derived products, e.g. Uddermint®

63% (135)

Fermented foods: e.g. grains, apple cider vinegar, kefir, LAB

46% (99)

Rescue Remedy® or similar e.g. Bach Flowers, Bush Flowers, Gem Essences

40% (86)

Pre/Probiotics

33% (72)

Bodywork: Physiotherapy/Massage/Chiropractic/Osteopathy

24% (51)

Energetic Healing incl. Radionics, Reiki

24% (51)

CowSignals® (Behaviour analysis to prevent illness and disease)

18% (39)

Acupuncture/Acupressure/Shiatsu

9% (19)Obsalim® (diagnostic and feed adjustment method based on observation)

7% (16)© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report

21How Do Farmers
How Do Farmers
Learn About CAMs? Use CAMs?
The majority of farmers report that they have takencourses and/or workshops, 82%, the most frequently
mentioned being the Homeopathy at Wellie Level(HAWL) course. Farmers also learn from books andmagazines, 62%; friends, peers and colleagues, and, ofcourse, the internet, 57%. One quarter have learned/
learn from the veterinary profession and 16% have gained
information from industry bodies and events. Other
mentions include learning from local homeopaths or
herbalists.

Farmers report that they use CAMs extensively: toprevent disease and/or maintain health (88%); for acuteproblems (86%); routinely at the time of stressful events(77%) and for chronic health problems (71%).

In addition to the HAWL course, the following courses
are mentioned: CowSignals®, ‘Good Gut, Bad Gut’,
DASH sheep course, herbal medicine, essential oils,
aromatherapy, quantum agriculture, Reiki, various
bodywork courses, as well as general courses on soil,
pasture etc.

Preventative or Maintenance: i.e. toprevent disease or maintain optimum
health88% (168)

Acute/first aid: e.g. infections, injuries,
birthing problems, wounds

86% (163)

Routine stresses or events: e.g.
weaning, de-horning, tail ringing, vetvisits77% (146)

Chronic: recurrent or ongoingconditions

71% (134)

How did you gain your knowledge/learn about the CAMs
that you use? (Please tick all that apply)
Courses and workshops

Books and magazines

Peers/Colleagues/Friends...

Internet

Veterinary professionals

Ag. professionals

Other
0%

10%

20%

30%

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report22In the Farmer’s Voice:
The Use of CAMs
Throughout the survey, it was important to capture the authentic voices of the farmers.
Here farmer’s share their experiences.
Disease Prevention
Nosode/homeopathic remedy combination for preventionof Coccidiosis - 100% effective. Similar for Rotovirus incalves - reduces severity

Reducing Stress
I have seen that homeopathy has helped with the general
health of animals after stress particularly cows after birth,
calves after weaning, and dis-budding

Homeopathic Nosodes regularly for TB, BVD, NF eye,footrot, IBR in water troughs

Aconite is very useful for animals prior to vet visits, TB
testing etc. Helps calm them down

Nosodes for disease prevention

Ignatia for weaning + peace and quiet!

Treatments
CODD in sheep - has been reduced from 60% of lambs
affected to 2% of lambs affected, over a 4 year period, sinceusing homeopathic remedy.

Parasites and Pests
Neem oil as a fly prevention in conjunction with Sulphur(homeopathic remedy)

Uddermint used at first sign of mastitis in our antibiotic freeherd

Herbs to prevent worm infestation plus homeopathic
remedies
Essential oils used on sheep to prevent flies and ticks

Three years ago, after attending a Homeopathy at
Wellie Level course, I decided to abandon the antibiotics
completely for watery mouth. In the subsequent 3 lambings,
we haven’t lost a lamb to watery mouthBlack honey on open wounds
Use of goat’s milk kefir in feeds for orphaned or weaklambs

Maintenance of Health
Herbs, cultivated and naturally occuring in pastures
We have diverse herbal leys with natural wormers including
chicory and plantain. We are planning to plant black
walnut as some fly deterrent spaces for the cattle
Apple cider viegar in troughs and kefir for gut healthFermented grains and yoghurt does a better job that
antibiotics (poulty)© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report23

In the Farmer’s Voice:
How CAMs have influenced
farming practice
It has encouraged us to reduce the use of antibiotics

Working with our farm environment rather than fighting it

Greater enjoyment of farming and better connection with
my animals

Not having to rely on outside interventions, i e vets, as mostvets have little knowledge of goats

I feel more in control, more able to deal with issues planned management rather than crisis management

We are better farmers now that we include homeopathy asa tool

It has heightened my confidence to take responsibility forthe health and wellbeing of my stock
I was able to take a different perspective on health anda deeper understanding of the importance of a healthy
environment© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report24What Results Do Farmers Achieve
Through Their Use of CAMs?
84% of farmers feel that CAMs have contributed toor resulted in improved health and wellbeing of theirlivestock, and 65% note lower disease frequency and/or
severity of disease overall.

Results

All

Dairy

Improved general health and wellbeing of livestock

84% (157)

90% (52)

Lower vet and medicine costs

66% (124)

71% (41)

Zero, low or reduced antibiotic usage

65% (123)

69% (40)

Lower disease frequency and/or reduced severity of disease

65% (123)

67% (39)

Zero, low or reduced wormer usage

40% (75)

31% (19)

Reduced frequency or severity of lameness

36% (68)

40% (23)

Increased financial profitability of farm

33% (62)52% (30)

Reduced frequency or severity of mastitis

30% (57)

54% (31)

Lower cull rate/re-stocking rate

26% (49)36% (21)

Fewer incidences of milk withdrawal

26% (48)69% (40)

Higher live birth rate

24% (46)

22% (13)Higher fertility rate

22% (41)40% (23)

Lower cell counts

20% (38)

52% (30)© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report25

What Results Do Farmers Achieve
Through Their Use of CAMs?
When we look at specific measurable markers based on
figures that farmers are required to record, some of thedata stands: 66% report lower vet and medicine costs,
and 65% respond that their use of CAMs has resulted inor contributed to zero, low or reduced antibiotic usage.
Among dairy farmers, these figures were even higher.
(See below.) 40% report zero, low or reduced wormer
usage and 36% report reduced frequency or severity oflameness. One third report increased financial profitabilityof the farm.

Calf health and vitality has
seen a major improvementwith less sickness in thecalves. I am in more control
of my business finance thanpre-homeopathy days

It has opened up new market
possibilities and made me
more proud of my product

Dairy Farmers(see Dairy Summary for more).
Among the 70 commercial dairy farmers who
responded, 71% report lower vet and medicine

I have seen a dramatic
improvement in my animals’
health and wellbeing andincreased fertility from 40%
to 75% conception to firstservice in four years© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

costs, and 69% report that their use of CAMs
has resulted in or contributed to zero, low or
reduced antibiotic usage. Also noteworthy is that69% of dairy farmers report fewer cases of milk
withdrawal, and over half note less frequent/
severe mastitis and lower cell counts. 52% ofdairy farmers have seen increased financial
profitability of the farm.

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report26How Has the Use of CAMs
Influenced Farming Practice?
When asked how learning and using CAMs has
influenced their farming practice, the top three outcomes
are: a more wholistic approach to health management,
85%; better observation, 82%; and early intervention, 71%.
More holistic approach to healthmanagement

85% (161)

Better observation

82% (155)

Early intervention

71% (135)

Greater attention to my animals’
wellbeing

66% (125)

We are better farmers now
that we include homeopathy
as a tool

Better attention to maintaining causes* 62% (118)
Better record keeping

26% (50)

Improved hygiene

20% (38)

Conversion to organic or biodynamic

13% (25)

Using CAMs has also led farmers to pay better attention
to their animals´ wellbeing, 66%; and to maintaining
causes, 62%. Better record keeping and improved
hygiene were noted by respectively one quarter and one
fifth of respondents, while 13 % have been influenced toconvert to organic or biodynamic.

* Maintaining causes is a constant or recurrent phenomena
which may prevent healing and/or promote illness, such as
poor general husbandry, housing or nutrition, or challenging
environment or climate.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report27Industry Trends in
Antibiotics
We were interested to understand whether farmers
had been requested to reduce antibiotics. In addition toindustry bodies and certification organisations moving to
reduce critical antibiotics in line with global targets, there
appears to be a growing trend among supermarkets
and milk buyers for their suppliers to reduce them. Thisis even stronger among the organic sector with several
dairy farmers working towards, or maintaining, zero
antibiotics contracts.

Our milk buyer, OMSCO, ismoving towards PWAB produced without antibiotics.
The aim is to have all OMSCO
members as PWAB in thenext 2 years. The reason
for this is perceived future
market demand© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

A third of farmers respond that they have made/aremaking efforts to reduce antibiotics usage or use no
antibiotics at all based on a wish to combat AMR andcontribute to the health of their livestock and the wider
environment, and/or in response to their customers.

Year on year we have
reduced antibiotics andlooked to improve herd
and flock health in a morepreventative way. It is so
important that us farmers
start doing that. I also want
to start supplying direct fromfarm so customers will want
to see that we are using
the minimum

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report28Antibiotics Usage
We find that for a majority of respondents, 59%, CAMs
have helped them maintain or achieve low antibiotic
usage, 57% have been helped to reduce their antibiotics
usage and 24% report that using CAMs has helped them
maintain or achieve zero usage.

Using CAMs has helped or enabled
me to reduce antibiotics

57%
(107)

Using CAMs has helped or enabled
me to maintain or achieve zero

24%
(45)

antibiotics status or usage

Zero Antibiotics
Of the 45 farmers where zero antibiotics usage isreported to have been achieved or maintained, most arecommercial, 38% are certified organic, 38% are uncertified
organic/biodynamic, 15% are conventional and 10%
certified biodynamic.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report29

Conditions Treated Successfully
Without Antibiotics
When asked which infections farmers have successfully
treated without the use of antibiotics, diarrhoea, mastitis,
and infected wounds are the most frequently mentioned.

Conditions treated successfully
without antibiotics
Diarrhoea/scours/gastric..

Success has also been achieved using CAMs for footinfections, lung infections, eye infections, retainedplacenta/metritis and abcesses/fistulas/ulcers. ‘Other’conditions successfully resolved without antibiotics
include post-partum infections, sepsis, fly strike andnavel ill.

Mastitis

Infected wound/skin...

Dairy farmers state that they have successfully treatedmastitis with homeopathy, 74%, and oils/Uddermint® (aproprietary product) 63%.

Foot/digital/claw infection

Dairy farmers appear to do well with homeopathy with60% reporting success for metritis (infected uterus) orretained placenta, and 63% stating that homeopathy has
resolved cases of scours/diarrhoea.

Eye infection

Overall homeopathy is the most frequently used CAM
followed by herbs, pre/probiotics, and essential oils. In

Respiratory/lung infection

cases of diarrhoea, pre/probiotics and fermented foods
are also used frequently to good effect.

Metritis/infected...

For wounds, many farmers successfully use essential oils
such as Tea Tree, also Colloidal silver, and honey. Neemand oils are often used to deter flies, ticks and mites.
Beneficial micro-organisms, Epsom salts and flowers ofsulphur are also mentioned.

Abscess/ﬁstula/Ulcer

Other

0

50

100

150

200

Key
Herbs/Medicinal plants
Homeopathy (incl. nosodes)
ObsalimOils/Neem/Uddermint© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Pre/Probiotics
Fermented Foods...
Other

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report30

In the Farmer’s Voice:
Conditions TreatedSuccessfully Without
Antibiotics
Foot rot in sheep - cured with homeopathy. Fly strike Neem oil
I have not lost any cow to mastitis since I have started using
homeopathy
Rotavirus in calves with almost no need of even electrolytes
now
Naval ill, complete elimination of antibiotic usage, (one had
Metacam)
New Forest Eye has cleared right up using a nosode
Respiratory infections in young calves. Using volatileoils has reduced the spread of disease between calvesnoticeably
Scours in calves almost eliminated with kefir© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report31Lightbulb Moments
In order to capture authentic farmer’s voices and allow
for spontaneity, we asked farmers to share any standout
successes, or ‘Eureka/lightbulb’ moments experienced
during their use of CAMs.
Responses can be divided into five main categories,
which are listed below with quotes from respondents.
The ‘voice of the farmer’ complements and confirms
what was found in the closed questions, that CAMs givethem tools to prevent disease, treat acute problems andreduce stress, and that with more in-depth knowledge
they also find CAMs helpful to treat chronic conditions.

I think that everybody on the team has to have the sameunderstanding of health. If not there is a tendency to reachfor the antibiotics simply because of not understanding.
Education and awareness of the whole team is the key tosuccess.

Prevention
The watery mouth nosode has saved me £1800 over thelast three years
Weaning ewes and lambs, all was quiet!

• General

Neem oil for tick control. Tea tree oil for fly control• Prevention• Treatment of acute problems• Treatment of chronic conditions• Stress reduction
Below is a small selection of quotes from the farmers.
The response to this question was overwhelming,
producing an enormous amount of qualitative data.

GeneralUsing CAMs has affected my entire life, we now use it for allof our animals, both farm and pets, and we also use CAMs
for our own health and wellbeing
We have seen an increase in biodiversity on the farm as awhole, both improved soil life and an increase in insects,
birds and reptiles due to us stopping the use of chemicals
such as wormers and antibiotics. The knock on affect it has
is incredible, we will never go back!

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Use of apple cider vinegar to reduce digestive disorders
such as scours
Coccidiosis is my personal standout success. Our vet said
the only way to reduce Cocci without e.g. Veccoxan would
be VERY good bedding and accepting some losses!
My most impacting Eureka moment was to realise, that
PREVENTION is better than cure

Treatment of acute problems
Using remedies on sheep/lambs that look very close to
death. Recovery can be miraculous
The standout successes are cows with really bad acutemastitis who have been restored to full health
The lightbulb moment was about 40 years ago with Secale
for metritis, the first time we used homoeopathy with instantsuccess

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report32Lightbulb Moments
Treatment of acute problems continued
Certainly my treatment of acute mastitis was a stand out
moment. I used Belladonna when I first noticed the redness
and then Phytolacca the next day. The ewe was feeding herlambs the very next day. I was the only person that knew of
the treatment. The stockman was amazed
I seem to be getting easier lambings and better survival

Observing Obsalim® signs on the cows which alerted me
to check the calibration of the cake feeders which had justbeen serviced, they were feeding far too much, the cows
would have become acidotic
Kreosotum* for CODD in sheep´s feet. CODD in effect rots
the foot away. I thought about Creosote as a preservative
used to stop timber rotting hence that made me think
about Kreosotum. *Homeopathic remedy

Cocci nosode on sick piglets and whole farm cleaned up
over time
Stress reduction
Husband convinced by use of Pulsatilla 1M for retained
cleansing following advice in Ainsworths Herdsman’s book- he couldn’t believe the speed of response
Wound infection with antimicrobial resistant bacteria
healed by homeopathy
Patiently treating a 17 year old Dachshund dog that hadgone totally lame, and the vet wanted to euthanise, with
Arnica pills and massaging with Weleda Arnica oil

Treatment of chronic conditions
The most useful tip for me was identifying CowSignals® andlooking at the whole animal and not just the visible problem
The first time we used homeopathy in any scale was totreat ringworm in young stock. The conventional option
would be to add (at the time) Grisavin to their daily
concentrate feed for three weeks. They were past needing
feeding and so that would have been an extra cost. We
added the Baccilinum to the water trough and within three
weeks the ringworm was cured. Truly seeing was believing!

Observation of the whole animal is important as istreatment of the whole animal just illness or injury.
Spending time being mindful with them is a very importantpart of healing and maintaining good health. A stress-freeanimal is a healthy one
The use of Aconite, AAA and Ignatia has meant that eventhe most frightened animals can be handled by just one
person which means they are dealt with more regularly andadditional members of staff are released for other duties
Use of homeopathy at lambing and suddenly realisingthat the whole lambing shed was quiet and just full of thesound of contented ewes and lambs rather than the usualcacophony
The use of homeopathic medicine on beef cattle loading
onto a lorry for the first time to go to slaughter, calmly andquietly to the shock of onlookers and obviously taking thesame remedy myself

We use Pulsatilla and Sepia to help with infertility© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report

33

The Veterinary
Profession
Around 30% of farmers report that they have had apositive experience with their vets regarding their use of
CAMs. On the other hand, many farmers do not tell their
vet that they use CAMs and especially not that they use
homeopathy, as they are often met with skepticism, or
fear, rejection.
Some farmers report that they find their vet to be led
by sales (of products) and that vets seem to see CAMs
usage as a threat to their profession.
Responses can largely be divided into these categories:
According to farmers´ experience, vets are:•Supportive and knowledgeable in CAMs•

Supportive although lacking knowledge•

Neutral or mixed•

Negative

There are opposing opinions on whether younger orolder vets are more open to CAMs and to learning more;some say younger vets are more interested and others
that they tend to reach for the antibiotics more quickly
than older, more experienced vets.
Farmers also report a concern that some vets are notencouraging them to reduce and refine antibiotics usage,
and that they sometimes push conventional medicinesthat the farmer does not want to use.
From the replies, a supportive relationship between
farmers and vets seems to come from goodcommunication and vets seeing that farmers are keeping
animals happy and healthy.

Several farmers report that their vet is positive andsometimes surprised at their results of using CAMs.
The trend in general is that vets have little knowledgeof CAMs, are more sceptical towards homeopathy andmore open to herbs and other interventions. Some
farmers respond that they choose to consult a vet who
lives further away to get the support they want and need.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report34

In the Farmer’s Voice:
The Veterinary
Profession
Supportive and knowledgeable in CAMs
EXCEPTIONAL!!!! We are very lucky to have our vets workwith us on the farm, as previously explained. Having a local
homeopathic and herbal practitioner is priceless, and they
are invaluable to our system!!!
Poor at the start but brilliant now! He is (supportive) after
realising there are other ways! And starting to think outside
the boxSupportive although lacking knowledge
The vet seems to be using antibiotics less himself anddoesn’t mind me using homeopathy
It seems to me that most vets don´t mind as long as theanimal(s) are not suffering. I have had one or two incidents
where I have called for a vet (calf bloat) and the vet did not
hold out much hope for animal... A couple of weeks later
when they would inquire about the animal, (I could tell themthat)… the animal made a full recovery

Neutral or mixed
The vets in my local practice don´t seem to know a lot
about it. I have to ring other vets for advice
Not enthusiastic about “your homeopathy”. Moreenthusiastic about herbal remedies
Mixed reactions from the vets at the beginning, most ofthem do not embrace homeopathy. However, they now
realise that the farm is now nearly completely antibiotic free
and want to know more about how we do it

Negative and not willing to discuss
Total rejection!
Not good, one is a believer, most are sceptical, some aredown right opposed
Not good, they keep pushing the vaccination route andantibiotics. l no longer mention that I use homeopathic
remedies

Enthusiastic about the whole approach of organic farming
practices and the benefits of a less intense system© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report35Advice to Other Farmers
We were keen to know what advice farmers could giveothers re. the use of CAMs for livestock health. The
responses broadly fall into the following categories:•

Be open minded/give it a try/there is nothing to lose
and a great deal to gain•

Educate yourself, do a course, keep reading andlearning from other farmers•

Introduce it step by step•

Seek support from other farmers and vets•

It will change the way you look at the farm and youranimals

I would advise any farmer to think about
and use alternative methods to replaceroutine use of antibiotics and conventional
drugs, to see the benefits of alternative
medicine for healthy stock and know thatyou are producing drug free healthy meat

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report36

In the Farmer’s Voice:
Advice to others
Be open minded/give it a try

Seek support from other farmers and vets

Probably the biggest advice would be to give it a chance towork (trust that it will) as in the future we are not going tohave the open use of antibiotics so will need an alternative

Look for a veterinarian who is educated and has expertisein CAM, esp. homeopathy

Imperative for us to decrease antibiotics use; must use CAM
as much as possible
I can´t prove it works, but we get a lot of coincidences if it
doesn´t!

Educate yourself
All livestock keepers should be aware of CAMS, and theirbenefits taught in Agri-courses
It is our lack of knowledge that keeps us down, so keep
trying. And keep improving your knowledge by courses,
meetings, and books

Introduce it step by step
Pick one or two CAMs to start with, try it out, try some more,talk to others, learn, try out some more. As with any farm
this is an ongoing moving process, nothing is stagnant,routine yes, but always developing, things change,
new challenges will come, CAMs give so many morealternatives to improved health and profitability© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Speak to others. Insist certifiers of organic standards
understand and promote!

It will change the way you look at the farm and youranimals
You need to completely change the way you look at thefarm and your animals. It is not this remedy for this disease
and that is for the other. You need a whole wholistic
management strategy that is based on listening, looking,smelling, noticing, contemplating and thinking about
everything that is going on your farm all the time. Then you
will know what is the right thing to do
Unlike the conventional approaches which are more
inclined towards a one size fits all model, CAM is more ofa tailor-made solution for each animal. It is more about
healing individuals than treating specific conditions
I think it is a much more natural, holistic and kinder way ofnarming and that the welfare and wellbeing of the animals
will improve drastically if you use even just a few methods
instead of always reaching for the conventional medication

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report37Key trends
From the responses of 221 conventional and organic farmers we find the following trends:
Main objectives and concerns among livestock
farmers who use CAMs according to this survey are:

The role of CAMs is reported as being particularly
useful in:•

to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of
their livestock•

Preventing disease•

to contribute to global threats such as AMR•

Reducing stress•to find a vet who is not only supportive but also has
knowledge in CAMs•

Treatment of acute infections and injury•

For fertility and around the time of birth•

For human health and the family•

to get support and recognition for their efforts andachievements•that the price of food should reflect what is being put
into itMain skills developed from learning and using
CAMs are:•

Better observation skills and the ability to take earlyintervention•

A more wholistic approach to health and healthmanagement•

Intuition

Main successes reported are:•

Improved overall health and wellbeing of livestock•

Lower frequency and/or severity of disease•

Reduced, low or zero antibiotics usage•

Lower vet and medicine costs•

Reduced, low or zero wormer usage•

Improved farmer satisfaction© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

The most frequently used CAMs for the above are, inorder of highest usage, for all diagnoses:•

Homeopathy including nosodes•

Herbs and herbal medicine•

Essential oils (inc Neem, Uddermint)•

Fermented foods (including apple cider vinegar
and kefir)•

Pre- and probiotics

From the open-ended questions, we learn that a majority
find that homeopathy is particularly useful to manage
stress, around birth, in disease prevention and treatmentof acute infections, whereas essential oils particularly areoften mentioned as effective in preventing tick/worm/
lice infestations.

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report38Discussion andRecommendations
Evidence-based veterinary medicine isbuilt on the following pillars: randomised
controlled studies, clinician experience,
the owner’s values and choices, and thepatient’s circumstances. In this context andto make informed decisions, the farmer’s
voice is important. In this survey the farmers
have shared insights and knowledge which
may otherwise have remained tacit.

The evidence base for modalities such as homeopathy
and herbal medicine is growing. The question is, what
keeps us back from offering CAMs at least as an optional
speciality in agricultural colleges and in veterinary
education, as is currently the case in some countries?
Given the continuing threat of AMR, combined with thesystemic effects of many conventional interventions used
to excess in farming, can we afford to wait?

Due to the threat of AMR, farmers and vets are asked toreduce the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials.
The role of the vet is also changing; from diagnosing andprescribing towards giving advice on prevention and how
to keep animals healthy.
This survey suggests that learning and integrating CAMs
has the potential to fill a knowledge gap for both farmers
and vets in the quest for better tools to prevent disease
and improve livestock health.
There appears to be a growing trend amongsupermarkets and milk buyers for farmers to reduce
antibiotics based on market demand, not just legislation.
This is even stronger among the dairy sector with someorganic milk buyers aiming to move all their members to
Produced Without Antibiotics (PWAB) status.
Based on global health needs, industry trends,
organic standards and the information on CAMs that
our farmers have generously shared with us, WHAg
strongly recommends that the potential for CAM-led
approaches to livestock health are further investigatedand documented, AND that farmers seeking alternatives
are better supported, particularly by industry bodies.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Regular use of CAMs leads toimproved livestock resilience,
which gives me confidence anda feeling of empowerment

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report39

A note on Legislation,
Safety and Ethics
The legislative and regulatory framework(Veterinary Act, Organic Standards etc) sets
the standard to encourage and safeguard
competent and ethical veterinary andfarming practices, to engender health,safety and welfare of public and animals.
Safety in this context should include what is safe forveterinary use/the animals, what is safe for humanconsumption and what is safe for the environment. As an
example, any toxic substance used as tick repellent orwormer will eventually end up in the food chain and also
in soil and water.
Hence WHAg would go further than the regulatory
framework and encourage practices that ensure:•

Sustainability of farming practices•

The wellbeing of the soil and ecosystem•

Animals get to thrive, rather than just exist

By encouraging good farming practice, the quality offood produced will be optimised.
Food safety is likely to be enhanced by the use of CAMs,
with the huge majority of practices not creating any
risk of food contamination. Herbal products have been
extensively researched for use in humans. The majority
of commonly used products have a high safety margin
and a large amount is known about the potential toxicityof the small proportion of plants that can be toxic. Current
legislation and knowledge will flag up potential concerns
around certain herbal products. Such products should
always be used appropriately if there is any concern
around significant levels of phytochemicals continuing
into the food chain, in just the same way that precautions
are used for chemical agents.
By appropriately applying CAMs at a farm level following
the WHAg Integrative Holistic Approach, animal health,safety and welfare will be encouraged above and beyond
current legislative frameworks.

To achieve best results, any health system (be it CAMs orconventional), should be used appropriately. The current
meat hygiene regulations will mean that good inspection
practice will continue to create products that are fit forhuman consumption. This applies just as much to farms
using CAMs as it does to other farms.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report40Glossary© Kate Bradshaw, Tan House Farm

Glossary of Terms

Anthelmintics

Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that
expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from thebody by either stunning or killing them.

BVD

Bovine viral diarrhoea.

Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (CAM)

Definition of CAM adopted by Cochrane Collaboration: “CAM is a broad
domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems,
modalities and practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs
other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health system of aparticular society or culture in a given historical period.”*N.B. For the purpose of our survey we defined CAM/CAMs as any nonpharmaceutical method, practice or product including: herbs or herbal remedies,
medicinal plants, fermented foods, pre/probiotics, homeopathy, essences such
as Rescue Remedy®, neem/essential oils, Uddermint®, Obsalim®, CowSignals®,
acupuncture, physio/massage, ‘energy healing’ etc.

Calf scours

Calf diarrhoea (a symptom of various causes).

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals caused bycoccidian protozoa. The primary symptom is diarrhoea which may become
bloody in severe cases.

CODD

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis.

CowSignals®

A method focused on dairy cow wellbeing to alleviate stress; based on
observing and interpreting behaviour, posture and physical characteristics
of cows, developed by Dutch veterinarians.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentaryrock that has been crumbled into a fine white powder.

Drying off

Drying off ends the lactation phase. The dry period allows the cow and herudder to recover and be prepared for her next lactation.

Essential Oils

An oil derived from a natural substance, typically a plant, which has
therapeutic properties, e.g. anti-fungal, anti-bacterial.

Fermented Foods (e.g. kefir, apple
cider vinegar, yoghurt, kombucha)

Fermented foods are produced through the controlled growth of beneficial
bacteria, which preserve and enhance the food's nutritional benefits.

Herbal medicine

A plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these, or the art or practiceof using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent,alleviate, or cure disease.

Homeopathy (aka homoeopathy)

Homeopathy is an established system of medicine which supports
the individual’s own healing process, stimulating a state of dynamic
homeostasis (or optimum balance), thereby minimising susceptibility todisease and fostering resiliant health.

IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report42Glossary of Terms

Korean natural farming

Korean natural farming is a self-sufficient farming system that involves theculturing of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) – bacteria, fungi, nematodes,
and protozoa – in place of inorganic fertilizers to produce fertile soil.

LAB (Lactic acid bacteria)

The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of bacteria that include genera
such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, andStreptococcus and are frequently found in dairy fermented foods.

Metritis

Metritis is an inflammation or infection of the uterus. It often follows
retained placenta.

NosodesSpecialised homeopathic remedies that are prepared from morbid materialusing a clinical process of dilution and succussion until no molecule of thecrude substance remains.

Obsalim®

Developed by French veterinarian Bruno Giboudeau and farmers, thissystem is a dietary adjustment method for ruminants based on a specificobservation technique. (Obsalim® = ‘observations alimentaires’.)Orf

Orf is a highly contagious viral skin condition of sheep and goats Severecases can prevent youngstock from suckling.

Postparturient hypocalcaemia (milkfever)A disorder characterised by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood(hypocalcaemia) commonly within three days of calving at a time when the
cow’s production of milk has put a severe strain on its calcium stores.

Salutogenesis

The term describes an approach focusing on factors that support humanhealth and well-being, rather than on factors that cause disease.

Watery Mouth Disease (WMD)

Bacterial disease of neonatal lambs, especially in an intensive indoor
situation.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report43Appendix 1
Literature Review© Kate Bradshaw, Tan House Farm

Literature Review
The list of published studies and books included in thisreview is not exhaustive. It is mainly focused on publishedsystematic reviews and metastudies, and includes a few
books on CAM veterinary products and practices suchas: herbal medicine, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), essential
oils, kefir, pre- and probiotics, homeopathy, fermented
foods, seaweed, and the methods CowSignals® andObsalim® used in livestock.
Some of the studies discuss the use of CAM in generaland in relation to how CAM may play a role in reducing
the use of antimicrobials.
No surveys with a similar design and aims were found.
Keller et al (2019) did an interview and questionnairebased study on the homeopathy use on 64 dairy farms in
France, Germany and Spain, investigating prerequisites
on dairy farms for the use of homeopathy / considerationof homeopathic principles, and on homeopathic
treatment procedures.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

A survey with vets from the canton of Fribourg,
Switzerland, on demographics, livestock herd healthmanagement, billing of advisory services and the useof antimicrobials (Gerber, Budd and Bodmer, 2020)
was found. It focuses on changes in veterinary practice
towards a more advisory role.
At Oxford Real Farming Conference 2021, The ‘Natural
Worm Control Without Anthelmintics’ workshop included
a summary of the research being done as part of the EUfunded Replacement of Contentious Inputs in Organic
Farming Systems (RELACS) project. This session at ORFC
focused mainly on bioactive forages and nematophagous
fungi and their potential for controlling worms.

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report45

Herbal Medicine
Herbs and herb-based products have a long history in
traditional medicine, and are widely used for livestock.
A central work on herbal veterinary medicine is The
Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable by
Juliette de Bairacli Levy (first edition 1979). Levy describes
in detail how herbs can be used to prevent and treat
disease.
In a systematic review, Ayrle et al (2016) investigate theprophylactic and therapeutic options for gastrointestinal
and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets. They
conclude that several plants have the ability to prevent
digestive and respiratory problems in livestock. Theysuggest Allium sativum, Mentha piperita and Salvia
officinalis for the gastrointestinal tract and Echinacea
purpurea, Thymus vulgaris and Althea for diseases of therespiratory tract. Echinacea purpurea, Camellia sinensis,
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Origanum vulgare are identified as
the most promising for immune system and inflammation
modulation.

Rastogi et al (2015) offer a comprehensive review of
45 medicinal plant species that are official in Indian
Pharmacopoeia, including plant parts used andpharmacological actions. A relationship between animaland human dose, standardisation and regulatory aspectsof these selected veterinary herbals are provided.
In a study from 2012, Shmelberg, Hill and Scott discuss
the safety of Chinese herbs. The purpose of this study
was to measure major nutrient concentrations in samplesof fourteen combination formulas, three single herbs anda mixture.
Analyses suggest that herbal combinations marketed toveterinarians, when fed at the recommended maximum
dose, are unlikely to produce clinically relevant changes
in the dietary intake of essential nutrients. However, they
recommend that levels of aluminium and other nonessential contaminants present in some formulas should
be further researched.

Mirzaei-Aghsaghali (2012) reviews the use of herbs inanimal feeding. He concludes that medical herbs can be
added to feed as dried plants or parts of plants and as
extracts, and that herbs may improve digestibility, andact as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant andimmuno-stimulant agents.
Pomorska-Mol and Kwit (2011) present data to support
the effective use and safety of saponins derived fromplants as adjuvants in veterinary products.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report46

Essential oils (EO)
Many farmers turn to alternatives not only because
they want to reduce external input, but because there isincreased resistance to conventional treatments such as
antifungals, antibiotics and other antimicrobials. Hundredsof studies show the effectiveness of essential oils frommedicinal and aromatic species. EOs are found in ecofriendly repellents and treatments known to be both
effective and safe in humans and animals when usedaccording to recommended dosage and precautions.
Grzesiak, Kolodziej, Glowacke and Krukowski (2018) in
Poland studied in vitro use of oils derived from marjoram,
oregano, thyme, garlic and mint against Prototheca
zopfii, an algae frequently causing mastitis in cows andother infections in animals. P. zopfii is resistant to mostantifungal conventional treatments.
The researchers found that all strains of algae weresensitive to the essential oils marjoram (most effective),thyme and oregano and resistant to mint and garlic oils.
They conclude that the studied essential oils at low
concentrations are safe, and can effectively prevent andreduce the growth of P. zopfii strains, including those
resistant to antifungal conventional treatments.

Based on the effectiveness and wide use of EOs, they
identify areas for further research including the need todevelop better formulas and study how the use of EOs
may impact non-targeted species in the environment
when spraying these products on livestock.
Ebani and Mancianti´s study (2020) welcome theincreased use of essential oils in veterinary medicine
due to their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, theneed for alternatives due to resistance to conventional
treatments, and the consequences of antibiotics residue
in food. In their study, they found that the antimicrobialactivity of EOs in vitro on bacterial and fungal strains inboth human and animal isolates has been frequently
demonstrated.
They ask for more in vivo studies and studies on the
toxicity of these natural products in relation to animal
species and route of administration. They recommendthat before starting a therapy, an aromatogram (a test
which reveals the essential oils that are effective against
an isolated pathogen) should be executed to choose theoil with the best antimicrobial activity.

Benelli and Pavela (2018) reviewed current knowledge
available on EOs tested as repellents against tick speciesof veterinary importance, and analysed the effectivenessof pure compounds isolated from EOs as tick repellents
and their potential implications for practical use.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report47Pre- and probiotics
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live
microorganisms intended to maintain or improve thenormal microflora in the body. Prebiotics are foods,
typically high-fibre foods that act as food for humanmicroflora and are used with the intention of improving
the balance of these microorganisms. Synbiotic formulas
are produced to provide a balance between specific preand probiotics.
Alawneh et al (2020), in a systematic review of theevidence for the use of probiotics to improve healthand productivity in calves, asked the question: “Incalves aged between birth to one year, is the use ofprobiotics associated with changes in haematologicalor biochemical parameters, faecal bacteria count,average daily live weight gain, dry matter intake, or feed
conversion ratio?” The study concludes that there issufficient data to support the effectiveness of probiotic
use for the improvement of performance and productivity
parameters of calves but that the evidence is weak forother potential probiotic uses in calves such as improved
health and reduced risk of disease. However, the risk ofmethodology bias in this study is reported as high.
Cameron and McAllister (2019) explore current
understanding, trends, and emerging applicationsof probiotic research and usage in major livestock
species. They highlight successes in animal health andperformance.
Imperial and Impala (2016), in their article: “Addressing the
Antibiotic Resistance Problem with Probiotics: Reducing
the Risk of Its Double-Edged Sword Effect” underscore
the need to screen probiotic strains that are used in both
livestock and human applications to assure their safety
and mitigate their potential in significantly contributing to
the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in our naturalenvironments.

breeders who are looking for alternatives to antibioticbased growth stimulators, especially after these werebanned in January 2006. They define probiotic products
as formulas containing bacteria with a beneficial
influence on the natural intestinal microflora, andprebiotic products by their indigestibility in the upperdigestive tract, fermentation in the intestinal microbiota,
beneficial effect on host/health, selective stimulation of
growth of probiotics, and stability in various food/feed
processing conditions. Symbiotic products are defined
as formulas in which a prebiotic component selectively
favours a probiotic microorganism.
Included in this paper is also an overview of available
products and studies. The authors find that in addition toaccelerating growth rate and protect from pathogenic
infections, pre-, pro- and symbiotic products may
improve other parameters such as absorption of feed andquality of meat, milk and eggs. They conclude that the
spending on prebiotic-containing feed will translate toeconomic profit, and that the use of probiotics, prebiotics
and synbiotics is safe, does not have a negative impact
on the natural environment, and reduces the demand for
antibiotic-based growth stimulators.
Mingmongkolchai and Panbangred (2018) studied
bacillus probiotics in poultry, pigs, ruminants andaquaculture. This study highlights the need for futurestudies to investigate the mechanisms by which gut
microbiota interact with host intestinal epithelium
cells in order to define selection criteria for potential
probiotics. They claim that the effectiveness of probiotics
depends largely on the dose ingested and bacterial
strains, therefore, it is essential to determine the minimal
effective dosage of probiotic strains.

Markowiak and Slitzewska (2018) discuss the definitionsof pre-, pro- and synbiotics; all commonly used among

Shredar, Patil and Kumar (2016) analysed milk samples
from four groups of cows; three groups were given
probiotics and the fourth served as a control group. They
found that supplementing with 15g probiotics/animal/
day was the most economically beneficial.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report48

KefirObsalim®

Kefir, originating in the Caucasus mountains in Russia, haslong been used for its health benefits in Eastern Europe.

Developed by French veterinarian Bruno Giboudeau
and farmers, this system is based on observations of
feeding and related symptoms. (Obsalim® = ”observations
alimentaires”).

Farag, Jomaa, El-Wahed and El-Seedi (2020) discuss
the role of probiotics, prebiotics, additives, and different
manufacturing practices in the context of kefir’s
physicochemical, sensory, and chemical properties.
They review kefir’s many nutritional and health benefits,
underlying chemistry and limitations for usage.
John and Deeseethum (2015) in a review of kefir´stherapeutic effects, include a critical revision of theantimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, probiotic and prebiotic
properties of kefir. Other health benefits, like reducing
cholesterol and improving lactose tolerance are also
discussed.

CowSignals®
A method which is focused on prevention and basedon observing and interpreting behaviour, posture andphysical characteristics of groups of cows and individual
animals, developed by Dutch veterinarians.

Apple cider
vinegar (ACV)A review by Samad, Azlan and Ismail (2016) suggests
various therapeutic effects of ACV. These include:
Increased production and sensitivity of insulin; inhibitionof lipogenesis and fat accumulation; and impeded cellproliferation and enhanced apoptosis in cancer cells.
Guided by World Health Organisation´s global priority
list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to guide research,
discovery, and development of new antibiotics, Yagnic,
Serafin, and Shah (2018) investigated how ACV affects
Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida
Albicans. Their study demonstrate that ACV has
multiple antimicrobial potential with clinical therapeutic
implications.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report49Homeopathy
For veterinary homeopathy, The International Association
for Veterinary Homeopathy and the Homeopathic
Research Institute offer more information andcommentary.
Meta-studies and reviews of animal and veterinary
research on the effect of homeopathy and other CAMs
have, so far, been inconclusive (Clausen, Albrecht andMathie, 2013; Mathie and Clausen, 2014, Mathie andClausen, 2015, Eurocam, 2015).
However, when only high quality Randomised Controlled
Trials (RCTs) are selected, homeopathy scoressignificantly higher than placebo (Mathie, 2016, Passet
et al, 2016). A more recent report by Weiermayer, Frass,
Peinbauer and Ellinger (2020) concludes that there issufficient positive evidence in the role of homeopathy in
reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock to recommendthat further studies are undertaken.
Hektoen (2004, 2005) discusses homeopathy in the viewof academic veterinary medicine and states that “The useof highly diluted remedies cannot be reconciled with thescientific theories on which the current understanding of
disease and its treatment is based, and clinical researchin the field is considered to be neither extensive enoughnor of a high enough standard to determine whether
homeopathic treatments are clinically effective.”

In a recent survey, Keller et al (2019), asked: how targetorientated is the use of homeopathy in dairy farming?
Their questionnaire was developed by scientists andveterinarians experienced in homeopathy. In thisquestionnaire-based face to face interview study with
farmers in France, Germany and Spain, spending 120240 minutes on each of the 64 dairy farms (49 organicand 15 conventional), they find that farmer’s knowledge,
experience and use of homeopathy varies a lot. The
study shows that many farmers lack basic training inhomeopathy and have little knowledge of homeopathic
principles, and that most pharmacists and nonhomeopathic practitioners have little or no experienceor knowledge of farm animal diseases and are even lesswell-informed on the legislation covering animal welfare,animal health and public health regulations in livestock
production.
The authors conclude that “there is a need to verify
the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments in farm
practices based on a lege artis (law of the art) treatment
procedure and homeopathic principles which canbe achieved by the regular monitoring of treatment
outcomes and the prevailing rate of the disease at herd
level.” They also claim that “there is a potential risk to foodsafety due to the use of non-veterinary drugs without
veterinary prescription and the use of other prohibited
substances.”

In a study from 2006, Kijlstar and Eijck conclude that
“More knowledge is needed on the effects of alternative
treatments in organic live-stock production. As long as
alternative treatments have not formally been provento be effective, conventional treatments should be
preferred. Studies are needed on the welfare aspects
of disease and insufficient or postponed treatment inorganic animal production systems.”© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report50Homeopathic nosodes
Isaac Golden is probably the most experienced
practitioner, teacher and author in the use of
homeopathic nosodes. His book Homeoprophylaxis(2015) describes how to use nosodes as an alternative to
vaccinations in humans. In his response to Teixer (2015)
he provides evidence for the effectiveness of nosodes.
Golden quotes large studies which have been performed
and rejected by the conventional medical community,and explains how nosodes have been used through 200
years´ history to prevent infectious disease, both bacterial
and viral.
Camerlink, Bakker, Ellinger and Lantinga (2010)
performed a triple blinded, randomised, placebo
controlled study on diarrhoea in newborn piglets,
comparing a highly diluted nosode: E Coli C30 toplacebo. The nosode was given to the sows prebirth. This resulted in less severe diarrhoea in the
homeopathically treated litters, there was lesstransmission and duration appeared shorter. The
statistically significant positive results from this study
suggest that E Coli C30 is an attractive alternative toprevent E Coli diarrhoea and that homeopathic treatment
in livestock may help the human population by protectingfrom the pharmacological residues in animal products.
Nayak and Varanasi (2020) offer a critical review of studies
on homeopathic nosodes. They claim nosodes are aneglected approach for epidemics, and that the useof nosodes as isopathy is somewhat acceptable in themainstream medicine due to its similarity to vaccination.
They further discuss the method of preparation andsafety issues. Recommendations are made regarding
refining the method of preparation and to develop
a harmonised way of preparing the nosodes. They
conclude that nosodes prepared as per the homeopathic
principles have potential to be used as prophylactics
in epidemics, but only if there is sufficient experimental
evidence of its effectiveness and safety.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report51

Discussion and summaryof the literature review
The definition of evidence-based veterinary medicine(EVM) used by the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary
Medicine at the University of Nottingham is:“Evidence-based veterinary medicine is the use of best
relevant evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise
to make the best possible decision about a veterinary
patient.
The circumstances of each patient, and thecircumstances and values of the owner/carer, mustalso be considered when making an evidence-based
decision.”

Not infrequently in medical history, experience-basedknowledge precedes what is later proven experimentally.
In some cases, experimental evidence is not evenneeded. Oftentimes common sense says it all; whowould even dream about doing a blinded, randomised,
placebo-controlled trial on whether parachutes save
lives? It is our belief that the results of investigating thefarmeris voice; i.e. what farmers use with success overtime to improve livestock and farm health and healthmanagement, may be useful for other farmers, teachersand vets in identifying areas worthy of further study andin developing and improving education, research andpolicies.

A general criticism of CAM research is that conventional
research methods may not be adequate for the way CAM
is practiced, and also that the quality of studies varies(Chalmers, 1999; Clausen, Albrecht and Mathie, 2013;
Hektoen, 2004, 2005; Kaplan, 2011; Mathie and Clausen,
2014). Still, when only high quality studies are selected,
the results speak in favour of homeopathy, herbal
medicine and other CAMs.
Paradigm is important. Imagine a common conventional
medicine such as a pain killer being studied for its
systemic effects, including how it affects stomachlining and intestines, heart rate and blood pressure,liver and kidneys, immediately and over time. If wechanged from understanding medicinal products fortheir effects of single symptoms to always include theirsystemic reactions, also called side effects (but they
are real effects), conventional medicines might be lessattractive for non-life-threatening ailments unless we
simultaneously use CAMs and dietary interventions to
reduce potential side effects.

© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report52

Appendix 2
Reading List

Reading List
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Arruda-Silva, F, Bellavite, P and Marzotto, M (2021).
Low-dose Drosera rotundifolia induces gene expression
changes in 16HBE human bronchial epithelial cells.
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AR0tDjyEI0J3ndQOpBgNVsJxOS5eLKQVDDD7HLOfEnh6
TAYZZHbLR5YLAeg
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Camerlink, I, Bakker, EJ, Ellinger, L and Lantinga, EA(2010). Homeopathy as replacement of antibiotics in thecase of Escherichia Coli diarrhoea in neonatal piglets.
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Herd Health Management in Antibiotic Resistant Dairy
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Gerber, M, Budd, S and Bodner, M (2020). Survey among
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Klocke, P, Ivemeyer, S, Butler, G, Maeschli, A and Heil,F (2010). A randomized controlled trial to compare
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Viksveen, P (2003). Homeopathy and the developmentof resistant microorganisms. Can homeopathy be analternative? Homeopathy, 92(2), 99-107.
Villalba, JJ, Costes-Thire, M and Ginane, C (2017).
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Nutrition Society, 76, 113-121. Available at: https://www.
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S0029665116000719a.pdf/phytochemicals_in_animal_
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Weiermayer, P, Frass, M, Peinbauer, T and Ellinger, L(2020). Evidence-based homeopathy and veterinary
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Yagnik, D, Serafin, V and Shah, AJ (2018). Antimicrobialactivity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia
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Appendix 3
The Survey© F J Allan-Gething Design

Scope of Study
Whole Health Agriculture (WHAg) is surveying farmers who incorporate non-conventionalor alternative approaches into their livestock health management, in order to identify thosepractices, methods and products which:are used to successfully manage livestock healthhave the potential to reduce or refine the usage of antibiotics and other synthetic/toxic chemicalinterventions
are worthy of further research, development and/or knowledge transfer to farmers andrelated professions

As a thank you, you will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win one of three Helios homeopathic
remedy kits.
From initial indications, the survey should take around half an hour so it's a perfect excuse to sit downwith a cup of tea, but you do NOT have to complete it in one sitting - you can dip in and out of it as
many times as you like. A few of the questions will need you to think about them for a bit longer, but
your responses are really important to make your voice heard. You'll need to finish answering eachquestion before you can progress to the next.
Please note; if you are really pushed for time but still want to help us gather this important
information, the most critical questions are:Questions 1-7, 10, 12, 13, 15 and 16 .
We are not ashamed to beg you to do all of it if you can! However, you must reply to ALL of thequestions and complete Q21 to enter the prize draw. Where you have nothing to say to a Q, just put
n/a to move on.
How will the results be used?
WHAg will analyse the results and produce a report for publication on our website, in articles, and inpresentations. It will also form the basis for wider research involving other countries.
Your participation will guarantee access to the completed report.

Confidentiality & Privacy
Your anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed. By participating you are agreeing to yourdata being stored securely in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regs). All responses
will be used in aggregate form in order to understand practices, trends and attitudes. NB
Any quotations will be non-attributable.

Should you have any queries, please email: karen@wholehealthag.org

Should you have any queries, please email: karen@wholehealthag.org

Qualifying Question
1. Do you use, or have you ever used, any non-conventional, complementary or alternative methods,
medicines or products (*CAMs) to prevent illness, maintain health, or as treatment for livestock in your care?

*By CAMs we mean any non-pharmaceutical or 'natural' approach, eg:
herbal leys, herbal remedies or medicinal plants
fermented foods incl. apple cider vinegar, kefir etc
acupuncture
pre/probiotics
homeopathic remedies
Rescue Remedy® or other essences
neem or other essential oils/products including Uddermint®
physiotherapy/massage/chiropractic
radionics or 'energy/distant' healing
observation based methods eg Obsalim®, Cow Signals®

(The list above is not conclusive. If you have used a method, treatment or product that is not mentioned here,
your knowledge and experience is important to us )If YES, please proceed to the next question.
If NO, thank you for your interest but unfortunately you do not qualify for participation in this survey.
YES
NO

Main Survey
Thank you for your participation - we know how busy you are and we really value your input. Thissurvey was designed by farmers for farmers so we hope you will find it interesting and get value fromit.
There are 20 questions which take between 15 and 30 minutes, so - PLEASE - make sure you haveenough time (grab a coffee, open the wine, pour a beer!) If you get interrupted you can come back toyour answers later! THANK YOU!

2. Firstly, please tick which best describes your role (tick one only):
Owner/Business partner/Manager
Family member/spouse/life partner
Employee/Freelancer/contractor
If Other, please specify

3. Please give your email address, plus the COUNTY and POSTCODE, (if known), of the farm/s or
smallholding/s where you are responsible for livestock (if outside the UK, please give state, area or region as
applicable).
Your email address
Farm 1
Farm 2
Farm 3

4. And for each of these farms or smallholdings, please indicate which type of system is used:
Farm 1
Conventional
Certified Organic
Certified Biodynamic
Uncertified
Organic/Biodynamic
Other
If you have ticked other - please specify

About Your Farm/s

Farm 2

Farm 3

You do not need to go through your records for exact figures here, your best guess will do!
5. Please enter your usual/average yearly numbers for each livestock enterprise - if you are responsible formore than one farm please combine total numbers for each species:
Dairy Cows
Beef
Sheep
Goats
Poultry Meat
Poultry Layers
Pigs
Other: Please specify
Other: Please specify

6. Which of the following best applies to your livestock or the livestock for which you are responsible? Pleasetick ONE option.
Reared commercially for national supply chain
Reared commercially for local supply
Reared partly commercially, partly for home consumption
Reared mainly or exclusively for home/family consumption
If 'Other', please specify:

About Your Practices and Methods
This is one of our KEY questions so please give it some thought - thank you.

7. We'd like you to start thinking now about specific CAMs that you have used/use for livestock health. Pleasetick all that you have used/use. You must tick at least one option.
Herbs and medicinal plants, herbal leys, herbal wormers, tinctures
Homeopathic remedies including nosodes
Rescue Remedy® or similar essences eg Bach Flowers, Bush Flowers, Gem Essences etc
Essential/Plant Oils (eg Tea Tree, Neem) and derived products, eg Uddermint®
Pre/Probiotics
Fermented foods: eg grains, apple cider vinegar, kefir, LAB, etc
Acupuncture/Acupressure/Shiatsu
Bodywork: Physiotherapy/Massage/Chiropractic/Osteopathy
OBSALIM® (diagnostic and feed adjustment method based on observation )Cow Signals® (Behaviour analysis to prevent illness and disease)
Energetic Healing incl. Radionics, Reiki etc
Other - please specify below
For OTHER please give details (you may mention more than one method/product)

8. How did you gain your knowledge/learn about the CAMs that you have just mentioned? ( Please tick all that
apply)
Peers/colleagues/friends and family
Courses and workshops
Veterinary professionals
Farming professionals/industry bodies etc
Internet
Books and magazines
Other (please specify as many as you need)

9. If you selected 'Courses and Workshops' at the previous question; please specify the thecourse/workshop and the CAMs taught.
YOU CAN SKIP THIS QUESTION IF IT'S NOT APPLICABLE.
Name of course & CAM
Name of course & CAM
Name of course & CAM
Name of course & CAM

Your Usage
This a KEY question so PLEASE give it your best shot. (You are over halfway through - please keep
going! )10. Below are listed several approaches which farmers may take when incorporating CAMs into their livestock
health management. For each approach that applies to you please detail WHAT CAMs you use and
HOW you apply them as comprehensively as possible. This is a really important question as it will help us
build up a picture of what really works for farmers.
Some examples:- Preventative & Maintenance: You might use Homeopathic Nosodes aimed at controlling specific diseases,
Herbal products to prevent worms, use OBSALIM® to optimise your feeding- Routine: You might aim to prevent stress by using Aconite or Rescue Remedy before vet visits, or give
Ignatia at weaning- Acutes: You might use Colloidal Silver on wounds, give Arnica and Hypericum for de-horning, use
Uddermint® cream for mastitis etc- Chronic: You might use homeopathy for fertility, herbs for mobility etc
NB The text boxes are irritatingly small but they will expand to fit your answers. You might want to open
a separate Word or Notepad document then copy and paste your answers when you are happy with them.
Preventative orMaintenance:
eg to prevent disease (egTB, Orf, parasites/flies) or
maintain optimum healthRoutine stresses or
events:eg weaning, de-horning,tail ringing, vet visits, foottrimming, etc
Acute/first aid:
eg injuries, infections,emergencies, birthingproblems, wounds etc
Chronic:
ie recurrent or ongoingconditions such as 'badjoints/feet', chronic
mastitis, infertility,
allergies/COPD, etc
Other: SPECIFYOther: SPECIFY

If you have nothing to add here please enter 'N/A' to go to the next question.

11. If you have any additional information about your use of CAMs for livestock health please enter it here.
The text box will expand to fit your answers.

Please tick all that apply here - thank you
12. How has learning and using CAMs influenced your farming practice?
Better observation

Improved hygiene

Better attention to maintaining causes

Conversion to organic or biodynamic

Early intervention

Greater attention to my animals' wellbeing

More holistic approach to health management

No change

Better record keeping
Other (please specify)

This question was designed by a conventional dairy farmer who was delighted by the results of CAM
on his herd. Please tick all that apply to you.
13. Which of the following statements do you agree with? Please tick all that apply.
My use of CAMs has contributed to/resulted in . . . .
Improved general health and wellbeing of livestock

Reduced frequency or severity of mastitis

Lower disease frequency and/or reduced severity of disease

Fewer incidences of milk withdrawal

Higher fertility rate

Fewer vet visits

Lower cull rate/re-stocking rate

Lower vet and medicine costs

Higher live birth rateZero, low or reduced antibiotic usage

Reduced frequency or severity of lameness

Zero, low or reduced wormer usage

Lower cell counts

Increased financial profitability of farm

Other: you may also use this space to expand on your answers or to comment generallyYour Usage of Antibiotics
This is a critical question so please hang in there - you are 3/4 finished! Thank you!

14. Coming specifically to ANTIBIOTICS, have you ever been requested or compelled to reduce
antibiotics usage for livestock? (eg vets, customers, abattoirs, supermarkets, industry bodies etc). Please givedetails of who made the request and the reason for the request.

15. Still thinking about antibiotics, please tick as many of the following statements that you agree with. You
may multi-select. If you do not agree with any statement, please TICK OTHER and give details.
Using CAMs has helped or enabled me to reduce antibiotics
Using CAMs has helped or enabled me to maintain or achieve low usage of antibiotics
Using CAMs has helped or enabled me to maintain or achieve zero antibiotic status or usage
Other
Other - please explain

This question is REALLY IMPORTANT so please bear with us. (NB There are 6 CAM's listed below +OTHER - if you are on a tablet and cannot see all columns, use the slider)16. Below is a list of diseases, conditions or infections. Please tick all that you have successfully resolved
with CAMs, ie where the animal has been returned to health without antibiotics. TICK all that apply - you
may select more than one CAM for each infection.
Herbs/medicinal Homeopathy
plants(inc. nosodes)

ObsalimOils/Neem/
Uddermint

Pre/
Probiotics

Fermented
Foods/vinegar

Mastitis
Metritis/infected
uterus/retained placenta
Respiratory/lunginfection
Diarrhoea/Scours/gastricinfection
Foot/digital/claw
infection
Eye infection
Infected wound/skinAbscess/Fistula/Ulcer
Other
Other (please specify infection AND treatment)

If you are flagging at this point, please enter N/A but we would love to hear your experiences!

Other17. For which diseases, infections or conditions have you experienced the most impressive results in terms
of using CAMS to avoid or reduce antibiotics?

If you are losing the will to live please type 'N/A' and go to the next question - you are almost done!
18. Please share any other standout successes or 'eureka/lightbulb' moments you may have experienced
during your use of CAMs . (This can be to do with anything - ie not just restricted to farming ).

One more question to go!
19. What has been your experience of the VETERINARY profession in support of your use of CAMs for yourhealth management?

FINAL QUESTION - this is designed to encourage or help other farmers. PS you will need to keep
going to the end and click DONE to enter the PRIZE DRAW!
20. Finally, what advice would you give to other farmers with regard to using CAMs for livestock
health management?

FINAL DETAILSYou have finished all of the questions - THANK YOU for sticking with us. Just a few details needed.
Please note that you must continue to the end of the survey and click 'DONE' for your entry into themonthly prize draw to be counted.
21. A sincere thank you - we appreciate you taking time out of your busy farming schedule to participate in thissurvey. We hope the results will enable us to evaluate the potential of CAMs to clean up the food chain and torefine or reduce the use of antibiotics and other 'environmentally unfriendly' interventions in livestock health.
Please enter your details to guarantee your copy of the final report AND confirm your entry into our monthly
prize draw to win one of three Helios homeopathic remedy kits.

Name
PostcodeCountry
Email Address

22. If you have enjoyed this survey and would like to take part in a more in-depth interview/case study, pleaseindicate YES/ NO to being contacted by email. (If YES, please ensure you have confirmed your email address
at Q21)Yes
No

23. The team at Whole Health Ag. hopes that you have enjoyed this survey and can see the value in what weare trying to achieve. We would love to stay in touch about our future developments and activities. However, if
you do not wish to be contacted by us again, please check the box below to opt out of all future emails. You
will still be gifted a copy of the final report as a thank you for your participation. To opt out entirely, pleaseemail secretary@wholehealthag.org.
OPT OUTDOWNLOADED VERSIONS:
If you have completed this survey by digitally editing a downloaded version, please email your completed survey to:
karen@wholehealthag.org.
If you have completed a paper copy of this survey, please post to :WHAg
FAO: K Seyersted
1 Wolsey Close
London SW20 0DD

Contact details© Antonello Falco

Contact details
Email: secretary@wholehealthag.org
Facebook: @wholehealthag
Instagram: @whole_health_ag
Twitter: @WholeHealth_Ag

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LEARNING CENTRE >>© Copyright Whole Health Agriculture 2022

Alternative Approaches to Livestock Health Survey Report76© Meg Walters - Lower Hurst Organic Farm