[Perspectives of ecological animal husbandry--limits of ecological animal husbandry].

Farms working under ecological conditions are as well as conventional farms a part of agriculture. Ecological farming is a response to the special requirements and ideas of consumers regarding environmental and nature related issues in primary agricultural production. Its products should be clearly defined so that they can be differentiated from conventional products. The limits of ecological livestock farming are set among others by comparably higher production costs, special management requirements, specific conditions from retailers in respect of quality and quantity and a limited demand. To further popularize ecological agriculture, the various individual interests must be focused and common strategies must be developed. To successfully claim market shares, the ecologically produced commodities must have a permanent advantage compared to conventional products-this will not be easy to achieve.