Impact matrix: a tool to improve animal health by a systemic approach

Multifactorial diseases are a serious matter not only in conventional but also in organic livestock production. Due to the fact that the farm specific status of animal health is determined by the interaction of risk factors within the farm system, a systemic approach has been developed for organic pig farming. By making use of an impact matrix, the interactions of 22 health relevant variables were evaluated and their systemic roles calculated on 10 organic farms. Variables in an 'active' role indicated the most effective measures. The set of 'active' variables on the pig farms differed between 6 and 12, mostly different variables. Moreover, most of the variables were found in various systemic roles. The ranking of variables, regarding the impact on animal health, differed widely between the farms. The impact matrix shows options to identify the most effective measures to improve animal health in the farm specific situation, taking the interconnections of risk factors into account.