The non-protein nitrogen in feed market is expected to grow from USD 1.221 billion in 2025 to USD 1.542 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 4.78%.
In animal nutrition, substances like urea, biuret, and ammonia that are not proteins but can be changed into proteins by bacteria in the stomach of domesticated animals are collectively referred to as non-protein nitrogen (or NPN). Since they are less expensive than plant and animal proteins, including them in the diet has a positive economic impact. However, excess consumption of them can slow growth and increase the risk of ammonia poisoning since bacteria first convert NPN to ammonia before using it to produce protein.
Since protein includes roughly 16% nitrogen and is the sole significant component of most foods that contain nitrogen, NPN can also be used to artificially increase the values for crude protein, which are calculated based on nitrogen content. Typically, a chemical feed additive or occasionally chicken and/or cattle manure is the source of NPN. The main consumers of NPN are dairy and beef cattle. Calves do not ingest urea, while dairy cattle consume urea at a rate of 20% and 80%, respectively, in cattle.
The non-protein nitrogen market is boosted by the expanding dairy sector, rising egg and meat consumption, and other factors. Non-protein animal feed is more cost-effective than protein derived from plant and animal sources, helping farmers by reducing the expense of purchasing expensive protein products for feedstuffs. The vast ability of the microbes found in the guts of ruminants to transition non-protein into protein further supports the use of NPN as food in animal feed. The transformed protein is used by animals to make milk and meat. The addition of tiny doses of urea to millet decreases body weight loss, improves calf birth weight, increases milk outputs, and improves calf growth rate; these effects are encouraging livestock growers to include NPN as a significant source of nutrition in animal feed.
The market for NPN feed is being supported by advances in the utilization of NPN as a protein source and rising investments in the industry's R&D.
According to Livestock, the main consumers of non-protein nitrogen are animals like cattle, pigs, and buffalo. NPN is used to raise the milk production of cattle and buffalo. It also improves their performance, which makes NPN a popular animal feed ingredient. Due to the significant protein deficit in cows brought on by poor quality fodder, demand for this market segment is expected to rise throughout the forecast period.
North America is predicted to experience significant growth in the production of non-protein nitrogen for feed. The expansion of major industrial firms like Cargill Inc., Land O'Lakes Inc., and others is credited with the rise of the North American market. During the anticipated time, it is expected that there will be a rise in research & development for the creation of novel items, which will accelerate market expansion. Due to government regulations and livestock breeders' ignorance of non-protein nitrogen in feed, the Middle East will experience slower growth.
The Asia Pacific region is marked by a sizable population of cattle and consistent industry expansion. Among the top nations in the region that consume non-protein nitrogen in the feed are China, India, Japan, and Australia. Regional demand is anticipated to increase as major multinational manufacturers increase their efforts to comply with government rules on product consumption. The industry trends will be driven by rising customer interest in higher protein diets and increased affordability as a result of rising disposable incomes. Favourable government policies, trade controls, and rules are a few of the main determinants supporting regional market projections.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Market Size in 2026 | USD 1.221 billion |
| Total Market Size in 2031 | USD 1.542 billion |
| Growth Rate | 4.78% |
| Study Period | 2021 to 2031 |
| Historical Data | 2021 to 2024 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 – 2031 |
| Segmentation | Type, Form, Animal Type, Geography |
| Geographical Segmentation | North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific |
| Companies |
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