What is the difference between a “transitioned” and “last third” animal?

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Transitioned animals are dairy animals that were “transitioned” to organic status through one year of organic management. This method of transitioning animals is only allowed for new dairy operations, and is a one-time allowance. Animals that were transitioned to organic may never be sold as organic slaughter stock, nor used as replacement animals by existing organic operations. Animals that are “last third” were born from breeding stock managed organically from the last third of gestation. Poultry that have not been managed organically since the second day of life can never be transitioned to organic.

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