[Special features of feeding in ecologic animal husbandry]

Food produced in ecological agriculture becomes popular more and more. In the interest of consumers (to protect against deception) and of producers (to contrast with conventionally produced food) it is necessary to define the conditions and circumstances when products can be declared as ecological. Up to now definitions of housing and feeding animals in organic agriculture only are set up by private organizations and associations, but in the future we will have a direction of the European community (Nr. 2092/91 EWG), extended by directives and restrictions focussed on animal husbandry and feeding. Aim of this contribution is to give information on special restrictions on feeds and feeding of food producing animals in organic agriculture (preconditions in the case that labelling as "ecologically produced" is intended). Conventionally produced feedstuffs are restricted, common complete diets and some special feed additives (for example growth promoters) are not allowed. Feeding according to species specific requirements (herbivorous animals) as well as according to age and development (for example minimum duration of suckling periods) is intended. On the other hand there is a conscious renunciation of maximizing animals' performance (and plant yields). Consequences, risks and conflicts of different aims in feeding in accordance with ideas of organic agriculture are discussed. Various efforts at sustainability of conventional agriculture are influenced markedly by ideas and concepts established in organic agriculture primarily.