Global Animal Feed Market Set for Robust Growth, Projected to Reach US$559.6 Billion by 2030

Noida, June 10, 2025  – The global animal feed market is positioned for steady growth, with market size expected to expand from US$478.881 billion in 2025 to US$559.557 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.18%, according to a comprehensive market analysis by KSI published in June 2025. The market's robust growth trajectory is underpinned by several key factors, with rising global meat consumption serving as the primary catalyst for increased demand for high-quality animal feed. The sector's expansion reflects the industry's adaptation to evolving food security challenges and the growing need for nutritious livestock feed to support expanding animal protein production worldwide.

Soy-Based Feed Maintains Market Dominance

Soy-based feed continues to dominate the global animal feed market, with soy accounting for 85% of total soy cultivation being consumed by the animal feed industry to produce protein-rich feed. This dominance is attributed to soy's high protein content, with soy meal containing 44% crude protein, making it the most common protein source for pigs, poultry, and dairy cattle globally. The strategic importance of soy-based feed was further highlighted by recent industry developments, including Continental Refining Company's announcement in April 2024 of significant operational improvements in Somerset, Kentucky. The facility's enhanced operations can process 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 essential components for livestock and poultry feed production.

Regional Market Leadership and Export Growth

North America continues to demonstrate strong market leadership, with the region projected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period. The United States has emerged as a significant player in global animal feed exports, with American Feed Industry Association data indicating that U.S. animal food exports reached USD 13.4 billion in 2023, representing 19.8 million metric tons—more than double the USD 7.5 billion and 9 million metric tons recorded in 2022. The Asia-Pacific region is also showing remarkable momentum, with India demonstrating strong export performance. According to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported approximately 796,462.12 metric tons of prepared animal feed in the 2022-2023 period, generating revenues of around USD 445.60 million, with key destinations including Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and France.

Technological Innovation and Industry Developments

The industry is experiencing significant technological advancement, with recent developments highlighting the sector's commitment to innovation and efficiency. In November 2024, TrinamiX GmbH and Eurofins Agro Testing announced a strategic partnership at EuroTier 2024, enabling farmers to analyze forage samples directly on-farm using handheld devices, thereby improving animal health, increasing farm productivity, and reducing environmental impact. IFF's Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health division received EU regulatory approval in June 2024 for two innovative chicken feed products: Axtra® XAP, a multi-enzyme mix, and Syncra® AVI, an enzyme-probiotic complex. These products are designed to meet modern chicken production demands and deliver measurable performance improvements.

Global Feed Production Trends

Recent industry data from Alltech's 2025 Agri-Food Outlook reveals that global feed production increased by 1.2% in 2024 to 1.396 billion metric tons, demonstrating the industry's resilience despite challenges including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and climate fluctuations. The growth represents a rebound from a stagnant 2023, indicating renewed strength in the global animal feed sector.

Government Support and R&D Investments Drive Growth

Increasing government initiatives and research and development activities are serving as key growth drivers for the animal feed market. In August 2024, feed and fodder processing activities were opened to startups and private enterprises under the Indian National Livestock Mission Scheme, with applicants receiving a 50% capital subsidy up to Rs. 50.00 lakh to build feed and fodder infrastructure. These government support measures, combined with investments in alternative feed sources and environmental impact reduction initiatives, are expected to promote animal welfare through improved living conditions while increasing demand for high-quality, nutritious feed.

Market Segmentation and Key Players

The animal feed market is segmented by type into fodder & forage and compound feed, with livestock categories including pork, aquatic animals, cattle, poultry, and others. Raw material segmentation encompasses soy, corn, rendered meal, and other essential components. Major market players driving industry growth include Alltech, Cargill Incorporated, Nutreco N.V., Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, and BRF S.A., among others. These companies are investing in technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity expansion to meet growing global demand.

Future Outlook and Market Drivers

The projected 3.18% CAGR growth through 2030 is supported by several key market drivers, including the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021-2030 projection that global meat production per capita will increase by 0.3% annually to 35.4kg by 2030. The bulk of meat production growth is expected in developing regions, which will account for 80% of additional output. Specifically, beef consumption is anticipated to grow to 76 million tonnes over the next decade, constituting approximately 16% of the total rise in meat consumption, while global pig meat consumption is projected to grow to 127 million tonnes, accounting for 28% of the overall increase in meat consumption.

Report Coverage:

Report Metric	Details
Growth Rate	CAGR of 3.18%
Study Period	2020 to 2030
Historical Data	2020 to 2023
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025 – 2030
Forecast Unit (Value)	USD Billion
Segmentation	Type, Livestock, Raw Materials, Geography
Geographical Segmentation	North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific
Companies Covered	Alltech, Cargill, Incorporated, Uno Feeds, Nutreco N.V., BRF S.A.
Customization Scope	Free report customization with purchase

About Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence (KSI) This market analysis is based on comprehensive research by Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence (KSI), published in June 2025, covering 145 pages of detailed market analysis with data from 142 countries and more than 28,000 feed mills globally.