Producing Organic Beef from Male Calves of Suckler Herds for Local Collective Catering: the Bouvibio Models

58 % of male cattle born in a suckler herd managed according to organic farming standards (AB) are sold as conventional weanlings and are lost to organic farming. Various organic zootechnical models have been tested, in particular the production of heavy calves aged 8 to 14 months (known as Bouvibio). Twelve models have been described and evaluated according to technical, economic, environmental, and social performance. The carcasses of the animals produced are lean, light red in color, and weigh less than 300 kg. The meat from these animals (ground beef, sautéed neck, and ribeye) has been described as tender and melt-in-the-mouth by consumers, who are also sensitive to the local origin of the meat, animal welfare, and ethical consumption. At the regional level, these itineraries help to establish organic farming practices that have a positive impact on the environment and climate (-35 % GHG emissions).