Animal Feed Market Size, Share, Opportunities, and Trends Segmented By Type, Livestock, Raw Material, and Geography - Forecasts from 2025 to 2030

Description

Animal Feed Market Size:

The animal feed market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.18%, reaching a market size of USD 559.557 billion in 2030 from USD 478.881 billion in 2025.

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Animal feed refers to the nutrition given to domesticated animals, particularly livestock in agriculture. It is mainly divided into two groups: fodder and forage. Fodder includes processed feeds like hay, pellets, and concentrates that are designed for animal consumption. Forage includes edible plant parts such as grasses, legumes, and browse, which animals can graze directly or be harvested for feed use.

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The market includes many animal feed varieties, such as cereals, oilseeds, molasses, and by-products that only contain vitamins, amino acids, and minerals required for animal development and production. Innovations in animal feed formulation technology, increased feed efficiency of diet formulations, and precision farming developments have reduced animal feed costs for producers and farmers. In addition to producers and farmers, the increased awareness of environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly animal feed production is shaping the market, as is the government funding toward agricultural development, including environmental regulations. Trends also include the acceptance of alternative protein animal feed inputs, including insect meal, algae, and plant-based formulations, since producers are reducing their reliance on soybean and fish meal inputs.

Animal Feed Market Trends:

• Transition to Specialty and Functional Feeds

The industry is quickly moving towards value-added functional animal feeds that emphasize more than basic nutrition. Additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, essential oils, and organic acids are being integrated into formulations to improve gut health, immunity, and growth performance of livestock. The industry shift can be primarily attributed to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in many areas of the world due to regulators' and consumers' preferences for antibiotic-free animal products. There continues to be strong demand for specialty animal feeds targeting certain needs. For example, starter feeds for calves, omega-3-enriched layer feeds, and dairy cow rations aimed to increase milk production. Many commercial farms place a high value on productivity and efficiency, making functional animal feeds very appealing.

Animal Feed Market Dynamics:

Market Drivers

• Increasing Meat Consumption

Rising global meat consumption has strengthened demand for healthy livestock, directly fueling animal feed market growth. The industry is expected to expand further due to this trend. According to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021–2030, global per capita meat production is projected to grow by 0.3% annually to reach 35.4 kg by 2030. The global meat trade has also seen a notable increase. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), beef exports to South Korea in April 2025 totaled 23,469 mt, 18 percent higher year-on-year. Similarly, Colombia recorded a 128 percent increase, exporting 447 mt in the same period.

Global meat production is projected to reach 59.96 million metric tons (MMT) in 2023/24 and grow further to 61.66 MMT in 2024/25, a 3 percent year-on-year increase, as per USDA data. The U.S. is the leading producer at 12.3 MMT in MY 2024, followed by Brazil at 11.8 MMT. This trend, together with rising beef and veal demand, is expected to support growth in high-protein and amino acid-rich feed products.

Animal product exports also add to the demand for feed. India, for example, exports milk, meat, and eggs worldwide. In 2022, India’s animal product exports totaled USD 4.062 billion, with buffalo meat leading at USD 3.194 billion, followed by sheep/goat meat at USD 0.066 billion.

Market Restraints

• Price Volatility for Raw Materials

One of the major constraints in the animal feed industry is the fluctuating cost of key raw materials (corn, wheat, soybean meal, and fishmeal) that represent a substantial portion of the production costs of feed. The cost of these and other ingredients will change due to potential supply chain disruptions from a changing climate, climate-related droughts, climate-related flooding, or political unrest or trade embargos on exporting countries. If there are weak harvests in countries that produce the above commodities or if the biofuels industry moves into direct competition with grain and soybean industries, causing low supply and reduced-price competition, then those commodities will incur price shocks for the supplier of feed and, in turn, the farmer. Such volatility impacts the planning of budgets for both feed manufacturers and farmers. Economic volatility erodes margins and increases operational risk.

Market Opportunities

• Research & Development and Government Initiatives

Increasing R&D activities and supportive government initiatives are contributing to the animal feed market expansion. Governments are investing in sustainable feed solutions, encouraging alternative sources to reduce environmental impact while promoting animal welfare. Subsidies also support domestic production and reduce farmer costs.

For example, under India’s National Livestock Mission Scheme, feed and fodder processing has been opened to startups and private enterprises, offering a 50% capital subsidy up to Rs. 50 lakhs for infrastructure. Meanwhile, EU27 feed output is projected to fall by 0.3% from 2023 to 2024 to 147 million tons, though poultry feed is expected to rise by 1.6%.

Animal Feed Market Segments Analysis:

• By Raw Material

Based on raw material, the market is classified into soy, corn, rendered meal, and others.

Soy is the prime source of protein for both animals and humans. Surging demand for soy-based meals in the animal feed industry, owing to their high protein content, is driving the segment growth during the forecast period. A soy meal contains 44% crude protein, which is crucial and the most common protein source for pigs, poultry, and dairy cattle globally. 85% of soy cultivation is consumed by the animal feed industry to produce protein-rich feed, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

As per the data published by the USDA report of April 2024, the MY 2024/25 oil meal domestic consumption in India was projected to be 18.7 MMT. This is owing to the demand in the animal feed industry and increasing health awareness regarding the consumption of protein. The estimate contains 7 MMT of soymeal, 5 MMT of rapeseed meal, 1 MMT of peanut meal, 4 MMT of cottonseed, and nearly 1 MMT of copra and sunflower meal, which include major uses in animal feed in India. The consumption is projected at 16 MMT, which is approximately two percent more than the current MY, concerning soybean meal equivalent (SME).

Moreover, the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), in collaboration with Right to Protein, announced the debut of Nepal's first feed label - 'Soy Fed' - for animal protein product makers in July 2022 as part of a two-day program. The feed label, according to USSEC, will raise awareness about protein-rich supplies and emphasize their importance in quality protein intake for animals. Besides that, there have been various product launches and innovations worldwide, further fueling the market. For instance, UFAC-UK introduced a groundbreaking new partial soybean meal alternative for dairy diets that increases yields, solids, and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) while decreasing dependency on imported soya by at least one-third in December 2023.

Further, Benson Hill, Inc., an agricultural technology firm that unlocks plants' innate genetic variety, stated that recent improvements in its soybean breeding program will double its seed inventory by 2025. The most recent field assessments of Benson Hill's third generation of Ultra High Protein Low Oligosaccharides, non-GMO soybean varieties, revealed 2% protein improvements over the previous generation and a yield differential of only 3 to 5 bushels per acre when compared to commercial GMO soybeans. Besides that, there have been various product launches and innovations worldwide, further fueling the animal feed market. For instance, in April 2024, Continental Refining Company in Somerset, Kentucky, announced several key improvements to its operations, including a new strategic alliance, reaffirming its commitment to increasing and improving its soy product range and distribution channels. The facility's operations will be capable of processing 430 tonnes of soybeans daily into 335 tonnes of high-protein soybean meal, 68 tonnes of soybean oil, and 21 tonnes of loose hulls, all of which are essential elements for livestock and poultry feed.

• By Livestock

Based on livestock, the market is classified into pork, aquatic animals, cattle, poultry, and others.

Based on livestock, the animal feed market is segmented into pork, aquatic animals, cattle, poultry, and others. Among these, the cattle segment is growing rapidly. The industrialization of cattle products, along with the expanding population, has had a positive impact on the cattle market globally. Besides, increasing consumer awareness about the safety and quality of dairy products, along with nutritional content, is driving the market growth. Demand for milk and meat products has been growing significantly around the world, resulting in a greater need for cattle feed. Furthermore, owing to increasing demand for meat consumption, cattle feed has witnessed a complementary growth, with feed containing vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and antibiotics being used to boost the yield capacity of cattle.

Moreover, regarding derived products, rising dairy consumption is expected to drive market growth robustly. India has a huge consumer base for dairy products. According to the National Dairy Development Board, the demand in India for dairy products is projected to reach 266.5 million metric tons by 2030. As of December 1, 2023, the United Kingdom had 9.2 million cattle and calves, as stated by the Government of the United Kingdom. Additionally, the female beef and dairy breeding herds for the same year were 13,34,691 and 18,39,277, respectively. Thus, with the growing demand for meat and animal-derived products in various regions, the animal feed market around the globe is anticipated to grow significantly.

Product launches in the cattle feed industry stimulate innovation and competitiveness by offering new formulas that cater to changing nutritional needs and production requirements. For instance, in January 2024, the Canadian government approved Bovaer®, a methane-reducing feed component for cattle that allows dairy and meat farmers to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Further, in June 2025, Evonik announced the plan to advance the global production setup for its MetAMINIO, which is utilized in livestock production to provide animals with efficient, sustainable, and healthy feed. The company focuses on completing the setup in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2025 with technical measures, including inclusion in its Singapore and Antwerp sites, with an increased focus on energy efficiency, catalyst exchange, and sustainability. These developments and expansion drive market growth by broadening product portfolios, providing farmers with more alternatives for optimizing herd health and performance, and increasing competition, encouraging firms to distinguish their solutions based on quality, cost, and sustainability qualities.

Animal Feed Market Regional Analysis:

By region, the market is segmented into North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

• North America Animal Feed Market Insights

North America holds a significant position in the global animal feed market, characterized by its mature, highly industrialized, and technologically advanced agricultural sector. The region, dominated by the United States, is a cornerstone of the global feed supply chain, supported by a vast infrastructure of advanced feed manufacturing facilities and a robust livestock industry covering poultry, swine, and cattle. The core driver for the region is consistently high domestic consumption of meat and dairy, coupled with strong international export volumes facilitated by established trade agreements. The market is defined by a deep commitment to high-quality feed, safety, and traceability, often driven by both stringent federal regulations and consumer demand.

Major industry players, such as Cargill and ADM, lead global innovations in feed technology, focusing heavily on adopting cutting-edge solutions like precision nutrition, AI-driven formulation, and specialized feed additives that enhance gut health and feed conversion efficiency. This strategic focus aims to maximize animal performance and productivity while simultaneously addressing sustainability goals, such. The abundant domestic availability of key raw materials like corn and soybean meal further solidifies North America’s role not just as a major feed producer, but also as a primary driver of global standards and technological innovation in the sector.

The United States dominates the North American animal feed market, backed by strong trade ties under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. These agreements have facilitated the export of feed and feed ingredients, supporting the growth of the U.S. feed manufacturing sector alongside the expanding livestock industry.

According to the American Feed Industry Association, the U.S. is home to over 5,800 animal food production facilities, producing more than 284 million tonnes of finished feed annually. Major ingredients used in U.S. feed manufacturing include corn (145 million tonnes), soybean meal (35 million tonnes), wheat products (8 million tonnes), and distillers' dried grains (DDGs) (32 million tonnes), among other essential components.

The United States animal feed market is anticipated to grow with several innovative product launches and developments in the upcoming years. For instance, in 2023, International Flavor and Fragrance Inc. launched Axtra PRIME, a highly effective feed. The product delivers numerous benefits, such as improvement in nutrient digestion, in addition to maintenance of gut health. It aims to tackle all challenges faced in piglet production.

• Europe Animal Feed Market Insights

In Europe, stringent regulations on feed safety and sustainability, particularly in the EU, are pushing advancements in organic and non-GMO feed solutions, with Germany and France leading production. Europe represents a sophisticated and highly regulated animal feed market, where growth is meticulously balanced between maximizing production efficiency and adhering to extremely stringent standards for sustainability, animal welfare, and food safety. The European Union is a major global producer of compound feed, with the industry's direction heavily influenced by policies aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of livestock farming. This focus has propelled innovation in specialized functional feeds, including the development and adoption of eco-friendly additives, such as methane-reducing feed compounds for cattle. The market is characterized by a pioneering role in reducing and replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which in turn drives high demand for alternative solutions like prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids to ensure optimal gut health and immunity in livestock. The regulatory environment, overseen by bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), is highly influential, mandating transparency, traceability, and high certification standards across the supply chain. While the region faces structural challenges, including land-use constraints and a greater reliance on raw material imports compared to other regions, its commitment to quality, eco-conscious farming, and advanced nutritional science cements its position as a global leader in premium and sustainable feed solutions.

• Asia-Pacific Animal Feed Market Insights

The Asia-Pacific animal feed market is also pivotal in the global animal feed landscape. In the Asia-Pacific, countries like China and India drive demand due to expanding livestock populations and rising meat consumption. Innovations in sustainable feed, such as plant-based additives, are gaining traction. The Asia Pacific region is the largest and fastest-growing market for animal feed globally, driven by an unparalleled combination of factors related to population dynamics and economic development. This explosive growth stems from rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a corresponding dramatic dietary shift toward increased consumption of protein-rich foods, specifically meat, dairy, and aquaculture products. Countries like China and India are the undisputed powerhouses of the region, leading global production and consumption volumes due to their enormous livestock and human populations. China is the world's largest feed-producing country, with its market rebounding strongly in segments like pork and poultry. India's market is bolstered by its massive and growing dairy and poultry sectors.

Furthermore, the region’s expansive aquaculture industry, prominent in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, necessitates high volumes of specialized aquafeed, creating a high-growth segment. Governments across APAC are actively supporting the sector through subsidies and initiatives aimed at modernizing farming. The market's future will be defined by its ability to navigate increasing resource competition, manage volatility in commodity prices, and continue innovating with sustainable alternatives like insect and algae protein to meet the region's colossal, ever-expanding protein demand.

• South America Animal Feed Market Insights

South America is a developing growth area driven by Brazil and Argentina, which are each among the largest producers of poultry and beef worldwide. With access to abundant raw materials (such as soybean meal), the region has a competitive feed production advantage. Additionally, the increase in export-oriented livestock farming continues to drive demand for feed, particularly in the commercial poultry and swine sectors. South America functions as a powerhouse for agricultural exports and a central source of key feed ingredients. The South America animal feed market growth is fundamentally driven by its vast agricultural capacity and its pivotal role as a major exporter of meat (beef, poultry, and pork) to the rest of the world.

Brazil is the regional leader, leveraging its enormous land base to become one of the top global producers of both livestock and feed, generating massive volumes of compound feed annually. This dominance is sustained by the country's abundant supply of essential raw materials, including maize and soybean meal, allowing for substantial self-sufficiency in production. The regional market is rapidly moving toward the industrialization and modernization of farming, which requires efficient, high-performance compound feeds to meet the quality and volume demands of the global market. Furthermore, rising domestic consumption, fueled by economic growth and lifestyle changes in countries like Brazil and Argentina, also contributes significantly to feed demand. While the region offers strong opportunities due to raw material accessibility, it must continually address challenges related to commodity price volatility, infrastructure logistics, and securing market access against global trade dynamics, ensuring its sustained role as a major food and feed exporter.

• Middle East and Africa Animal Feed Market Insights:

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) is an emerging and highly dynamic market for animal feed, characterized by an accelerated transition toward modernized, industrialized livestock production. The primary catalysts for market expansion are rapid demographic shifts, including surging population growth and urbanization, which consistently translate into a higher per capita demand for animal-derived protein such as poultry meat, eggs, and dairy products. Key economies, including South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, are spearheading this transition by investing significantly in developing local feed production infrastructure to reduce import dependency. This investment is crucial, as the region historically struggles with a lack of domestic raw material cultivation due to water scarcity and arid conditions, leading to a high reliance on global imports for grains and protein meals.

The biggest Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal feed market drivers are the expansion of the commercial poultry and dairy sectors, which require specific, nutrient-dense compound feeds to ensure efficient operation. However, the market faces unique challenges, including vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions, high feed costs, and the risk of endemic livestock diseases. The future growth of MEA’s feed market relies heavily on government initiatives to enhance national food security, subsidize agricultural input costs, and promote the adoption of innovative, climate-resilient feed ingredients.

Animal Feed Market Competitive Landscape:

The animal feed market is driven by the actions of important stakeholders in this space, like Alltech, who focus on sustainable feed additives that are also innovative; Cargill Incorporated, which is a leader in terms of global share and vertical integration, as it controls a vast range of segments in feed and food. Nutreco N.V. provides advanced nutritional solutions that span aquaculture through livestock; Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, which is the largest in Asia, with vertically integrated operations that range from feed to food; and BRF S.A., which manages one of Brazil's largest chicken and pork operations and can create much of their feed in-house. These organizations will facilitate the growth of this market through their existing business strategies.

List of Top 10 Animal Feed Companies:

• Alltech
• Cargill Incorporated
• Nutreco N.V.
• Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL
• BRF S.A.
• Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
• New Hope Group
• ADM Animal Nutrition
• Kent Nutrition Group
• De Heus Animal Nutrition

Animal Feed Market Key Developments:

• October 2025: FAO and IFIF Conclude Global Forum for Animal Feed. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) successfully wrapped up the 2025 Global Forum for Animal Feed and the 18th International Feed Regulators Meeting on October 2-3, focusing on feed safety, One Health, data sharing, and circular resources to promote sustainable livestock systems.
• June 2025: Enifer Announces Product Launch/Partnership with FS. Enifer announced plans with FS (Brazil's major ethanol manufacturer) to deploy PEKIL fermentation technology in Latin America to produce 500 tonnes of PEKILO Pet and PEKILO Aqua mycoproteins for pet food and feed per year.
• June 2025: Cargill Announces Collaboration in Mindanao. Cargill announced a partnership with Biotech to strengthen its presence in Mindanao by utilizing an advanced facility in South Cotabato for reliable, quicker, and high-quality standard feed production.
• March 2025: Kemin Industries Launches Feed Pathogen Control Solutions. Kemin Industries announced the launch of feed pathogen control solutions, such as ROSIDIUM, at VIV Asia, to help producers develop safe animal feed.
• March 2025: Cargill Showcases Micronutrition and Health Solutions at VIV Asia 2025. Cargill showcased its latest Micronutrition and Health Solutions portfolio, including Biostrong feed, at VIV Asia 2025, developed to enhance poultry digestive health, growth, and improve the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).

Animal Feed Market Scope:

Animal Feed Market Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Fodder & Forage
  • Compound Feed
• By Livestock
  • Pork
  • Aquatic animal
  • Cattle
  • Poultry
  • Others
• By Raw Materials
  • Soy
  • Corn
  • Rendered Meal
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
    • Philippines
    • Malaysia
    • Others

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Table Of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Snapshot

2.1. Market Overview

2.2. Market Definition

2.3. Scope of the Study

2.4. Market Segmentation

3. Business Landscape

3.1. Market Drivers

3.2. Market Restraints

3.3. Market Opportunities 

3.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

3.5. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.6. Policies and Regulations 

3.7. Strategic Recommendations 

4. Technological Outlook 

5. Animal Feed Market By Livestock (2020-2030)

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Swine

5.3. Aquatic Animals

5.4. Cattle

5.5. Poultry

5.6. Others

6. Animal Feed Market By Type (2020-2030)

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Fodder & Forage

6.3. Compound Feed

7. Animal Feed Market By Raw Material (2020-2030) 

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Corn

7.3. Soy

7.4. Rendered Meal

7.5. Others

8. Animal Feed Market By Geography (2020-2030) 

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. USA

8.2.2. Canada

8.2.3. Mexico

8.3. South America

8.3.1. Brazil

8.3.2. Argentina

8.3.3. Others

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. Germany

8.4.2. France

8.4.3. United Kingdom

8.4.4. Spain

8.4.5. Italy

8.4.6. Others

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.2. UAE

8.5.3. Israel

8.5.4. Others

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. China

8.6.2. Japan

8.6.3. India

8.6.4. South Korea

8.6.5. Indonesia

8.6.6. Thailand

8.6.7. Vietnam

8.6.8. Philippines

8.6.9. Malaysia

8.6.10. Others 

9. Competitive Environment and Analysis

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. Company Profiles

10.1. Alltech

10.2. Cargill Incorporated

10.3. Nutreco N.V.

10.4. Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL

10.5. BRF S.A.

10.6. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

10.7. New Hope Group

10.8. ADM Animal Nutrition

10.9. Kent Nutrition Group

10.10. De Heus Animal Nutrition

11. Research Methodology

Companies Profiled

Alltech

Cargill Incorporated

Nutreco N.V.

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL

BRF S.A.

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

New Hope Group

ADM Animal Nutrition

Kent Nutrition Group

De Heus Animal Nutrition

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