Produzione e qualità del latte ottenuto secondo il metodo biologico

The aim of this paper is to review the effects of switching from conventional to organic farming system on cow milk yield and quality. An analysis of the limitations of the actual regulation about organic farming and of their relationships with milk production is carried out with details on the effects of breed, forage production and animal health. Moreover the results of some scientific studies that compared conventional and organic milk are presented. The examined researches do not reveal any clear and systematic difference between conventional and organic milk in terms of nutritional, hygienic, sensorial and technological properties. This is a consequence of the strong variability among production methods and management levels within the two systems.