Animal Nutrition Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis, 2033

Animal Nutrition Market Overview

Global animal nutrition market size is estimated at USD 58262.14 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 68407.71 million by 2033 at a 1.8% CAGR.

The global animal nutrition market is expanding due to the increasing demand for high-quality animal-derived products such as meat, milk, and eggs. In 2023, global meat production exceeded 363 million metric tons, with poultry accounting for over 133 million metric tons. The need to enhance livestock productivity and improve feed efficiency has driven the usage of nutritional additives in feed formulations. The livestock sector accounts for over 40% of agricultural GDP in many developing countries, with over 1.3 billion people relying on livestock for livelihood. The feed additives segment alone consumed over 300 million metric tons of compound feed in 2023, indicating strong market penetration.

Minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes are crucial for ensuring animal health, reducing mortality rates, and optimizing performance. For example, trace mineral supplementation improves immune responses by up to 25%, reducing disease incidence across poultry and swine populations. Moreover, rising awareness around zoonotic disease control and food safety is pushing regulatory frameworks for mandatory feed additive usage. This demand surge has resulted in increased investments in nutritional innovation, with over 1,500 patents filed globally between 2022 and 2023 in animal nutrition technologies. The market's robust growth is thus underpinned by food security goals, productivity optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising global livestock population and intensified meat and dairy production demand.

Top Country/Region: China leads the market due to its massive livestock base exceeding 400 million pigs and over 5 billion poultry annually.

Top Segment: Poultry feed additives dominate the market with over 45% usage in total animal nutrition applications globally.

Animal Nutrition Market Trends

The animal nutrition market is witnessing significant innovation and expansion driven by intensified livestock farming and stringent quality regulations. With global livestock feed consumption exceeding 1.1 billion metric tons in 2023, animal nutrition has become a critical investment area. A major trend is the shift toward organic and plant-based feed additives. For example, the global demand for phytogenic feed additives increased by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching a volume of over 280,000 metric tons.

Another prominent trend includes precision nutrition solutions. These are tailored feed formulations that cater to specific species, growth stages, and productivity levels. The adoption of precision nutrition strategies has helped increase average milk yield per dairy cow by 12% annually in Europe. Digital platforms integrated with sensors and IoT devices are enabling accurate feed dispensing and nutrient tracking, particularly in high-tech farms across North America and Europe.

Enzyme-based additives are also gaining traction due to their role in enhancing nutrient absorption. In 2023, enzyme additives accounted for over 12% of the total feed additive market, with xylanases and proteases leading the demand. Enzyme usage can reduce feed costs by up to 8% while improving average daily gain (ADG) by 5–6% in swine and poultry.

Animal Nutrition Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for high-quality animal protein globally

Increased global consumption of meat, milk, and eggs is a primary driver of the animal nutrition market. With per capita meat consumption exceeding 43 kilograms globally in 2023, optimizing animal productivity has become essential. Feed additives such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes improve weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and disease resistance. The poultry sector, which supplies over 133 million metric tons of meat annually, is particularly reliant on enhanced nutrition. Nutritional innovations have been shown to increase broiler growth rates by 15% while reducing mortality by 8–10%. These efficiency gains are critical as food producers attempt to meet rising protein demands from urbanizing populations in Asia and Africa.

RESTRAINT

Strict regulations on antibiotic-based additives

Global pressure to reduce antimicrobial resistance has led to widespread restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed. More than 70 countries, including the EU and China, have banned AGPs in animal nutrition. This regulatory shift forces manufacturers to invest in alternative feed strategies, which are often costlier and require more validation. For instance, developing a new probiotic strain can take 2–4 years and cost over USD 5 million. This cost and time barrier can restrain rapid market penetration in cost-sensitive markets, particularly in South Asia and parts of Africa. Additionally, fluctuating regulatory frameworks increase compliance complexity across regions.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of aquaculture and specialty feed segments

The expansion of aquaculture offers a major opportunity for the animal nutrition market. Aquaculture production reached 94.4 million metric tons in 2023, growing faster than any other animal protein sector. Fish nutrition requires highly specialized feed containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and microbial proteins. Global investment in aquatic nutrition R&D exceeded USD 1.2 billion in 2023. Moreover, niche segments such as pet nutrition, performance horse feeds, and organic livestock production are also showing double-digit volume growth. The specialty feed market, comprising less than 10% of total feed volume, is projected to double in size by 2027 in unit consumption, creating large opportunities for innovation and premium pricing.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs of feed ingredients and logistics

Fluctuating raw material prices, especially for corn, soybean meal, and wheat, pose significant challenges for the animal nutrition market. In 2023, global maize prices peaked at over USD 280 per ton due to geopolitical disruptions and adverse weather. Transportation and container costs surged by over 60% year-on-year, affecting the feed additive supply chain. High costs often deter small and medium livestock operators from adopting premium nutritional products. Additionally, dependency on global supply chains for amino acids and enzymes—many of which are manufactured in China—exposes markets to disruptions and delays. This challenge emphasizes the need for regional ingredient sourcing and value chain localization.

Animal Nutrition Market Segmentation

The animal nutrition market is segmented by type and application. Major types include minerals, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and others. Applications span across poultry feeds, ruminant feeds, pig feeds, and others such as aquaculture and pets. Over 65% of total market volume is consumed by the poultry and swine sectors. Each type and application plays a specific role in maintaining animal health and optimizing growth performance.

By Type

Minerals: Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium are essential for bone development and metabolic activity. In 2023, mineral additives accounted for over 20 million metric tons of feed input globally. Zinc supplementation alone improved immunity in weaned piglets by 23%, reducing post-weaning diarrhea. Chelated minerals, which are more bioavailable, saw a usage increase of 17% between 2022 and 2023.
Amino Acids: Essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, and threonine are widely used in poultry and swine diets. Lysine demand crossed 2 million metric tons in 2023, primarily driven by China and the U.S. Methionine improves growth performance by 10–12% in broilers. Over 90% of amino acid production is concentrated in Asia, particularly China and South Korea.
Vitamins: Vitamin A, D3, E, and B complex are critical for growth, reproduction, and immunity. Global consumption of vitamin A surpassed 12,000 metric tons in 2023. Inclusion rates vary from 500 to 10,000 IU per kilogram of feed. New encapsulated vitamin formulations offer 20–25% better shelf life and bioavailability.
Enzymes: Enzymes like phytase, xylanase, and protease enhance nutrient digestibility. Global enzyme additive consumption reached 500,000 metric tons in 2023. Phytase alone saved over 1.5 million tons of inorganic phosphorus globally, reducing environmental impact.
Others: This category includes organic acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and plant extracts. Organic acid inclusion in piglet diets reduced gut pH by 0.5 points, improving nutrient absorption by 18%. Probiotics usage expanded by 24% in poultry in 2023.

By Application

Poultry Feeds: Poultry feed dominates the market, accounting for over 45% of total feed volume globally. Broiler diets require high protein and amino acid levels, especially methionine and lysine. Inclusion of enzymes in poultry diets improved feed conversion ratio from 1.8 to 1.65.
Ruminant Feeds: Cattle and dairy feeds accounted for 27% of global nutrition market share in 2023. Use of bypass protein and rumen-protected choline increased milk yield by up to 4 liters per cow per day. Methane-reducing additives are also gaining importance in this segment.
Pig Feeds: Pig nutrition represents about 20% of the market. Piglet starter feeds contain high levels of zinc oxide and vitamin D3 to improve gut health. Feed intake per pig averages 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms daily, depending on growth stage.
Others: Includes aquaculture, equine, and pet feeds. Aquaculture feed utilization exceeded 56 million tons in 2023. Omega-3 fortified fish feed increased growth rates in salmon by 12%. Pet nutrition saw a 14% rise in demand, driven by premium products and veterinary diets.

Animal Nutrition Market Regional Outlook

The animal nutrition market exhibits varying regional performances due to differences in livestock population, feed practices, regulatory frameworks, and nutritional awareness. Asia-Pacific holds the largest share by volume, followed by North America and Europe.

North America

North America accounted for over 150 million metric tons of feed consumption in 2023. The U.S. alone produced over 45 million metric tons of poultry feed and 36 million metric tons of swine feed. High penetration of enzyme-based additives and precision nutrition technologies define the market. The U.S. is also a major producer of amino acids and vitamins, exporting to Latin America and Europe. Investments in digital feed management and methane-reducing supplements are increasing across U.S. dairy farms.

Europe

Europe prioritizes sustainable animal nutrition. The region has banned antibiotic growth promoters and encourages organic and non-GMO feed. In 2023, Europe produced over 260 million tons of compound feed. Germany, France, and Spain are leading contributors. More than 35% of feed additives used in Europe were probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids. Enzyme usage reached 115,000 metric tons in 2023, with increasing demand for phytase and carbohydrases in monogastric diets.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads the market in volume with over 450 million metric tons of animal feed produced in 2023. China dominates, producing over 230 million tons, followed by India at 60 million tons. The region also leads in aquaculture feed production, with Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia each contributing over 2 million metric tons. Rising middle-class demand for meat and dairy, coupled with government programs like India’s NDDB and China's Five-Year Plan for agriculture, boosts nutritional investment.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa is an emerging market with over 95 million tons of feed produced in 2023. South Africa, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia lead regional consumption. Poultry feed dominates, accounting for over 55% of feed volume. Government investments in food security and livestock self-sufficiency programs are promoting advanced feed practices. Enzyme and mineral usage rose by 12% in 2023 across major African economies.

List of Top Animal Nutrition Market Companies

Evonik
Adisseo
CJ Group
Novus International
DSM
Meihua Group
Kemin Industries
Zoetis
BASF
Sumitomo Chemical
ADM
Alltech
Biomin
Lonza
Lesaffre
Nutreco
DuPont
Novozymes

Top Two Companies with highest market share

DSM: DSM is a global leader in animal nutrition, supplying over 150,000 metric tons of vitamins and specialty feed additives annually. It operates 35+ production sites globally and serves customers in over 60 countries. Its R&D investment in 2023 exceeded USD 600 million focused on sustainable nutrition.

Evonik: Evonik produces over 500,000 metric tons of amino acids annually, including DL-methionine, making it the world’s leading methionine supplier. It operates six major global manufacturing plants and serves livestock producers in more than 100 countries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The animal nutrition market has seen a surge in investments, particularly in biotechnology, precision feed solutions, and alternative protein sources. In 2023 alone, over USD 2.1 billion was invested globally into animal nutrition technologies. This includes both private equity and government-supported agri-tech funds. Startups focusing on microbial proteins and insect-based meal raised over USD 420 million in 2023.

Asia-Pacific attracted the highest investment volume due to its dominant livestock sector. China’s agricultural modernization plan allocated over USD 1.8 billion in subsidies for feed innovation and safety protocols. In India, over 30 feed technology startups received funding in 2023 under the Agri-Startup Incubation initiative. These funds focus on boosting regional production of feed additives, especially probiotics and enzymes, reducing import dependency.

North America has witnessed significant capital inflow into digital feed management systems. Precision livestock farming platforms raised USD 300 million in 2023, integrating sensors, AI, and blockchain for nutritional monitoring. DSM’s investment of USD 200 million into methane-reducing nutritional products under its ""Sustell"" program is among the largest in sustainability-focused animal nutrition.

Europe’s focus lies in organic feed and alternative proteins. Over 180 feed producers in Europe have adopted algae-based proteins and fermented amino acid technology. The EU Horizon 2020 fund contributed over USD 100 million to animal feed research, targeting antibiotic-free nutrition and circular economy goals.

New Product Development

New product development (NPD) in the animal nutrition market is focused on health-boosting formulations, environmentally friendly additives, and targeted species-specific nutrition. In 2023, over 850 new animal feed products were launched worldwide. The leading innovations came in the form of prebiotic blends, encapsulated vitamins, and plant-extract based immune enhancers.

DSM launched a new feed additive in 2023 named “Bovaer,” designed for ruminants. It reduces methane emissions by over 30% per cow per day without compromising milk yield. This innovation, after 10 years of R&D, received approval in the EU and Latin America. Over 3,000 dairy farms across Europe adopted the additive within the first year of launch.

Evonik introduced a 4th-generation methionine derivative optimized for aquatic species, which increases feed efficiency in salmon by 12%. The product’s absorption rate is 30% higher than traditional methionine sources, enabling cost reduction in fish farms.

Adisseo developed a new multi-enzyme blend tailored for high-density poultry feed in Asia. It improves digestibility of non-starch polysaccharides and reduces feed conversion ratio by 8%. Over 50 trials across India and Thailand confirmed its efficacy in local poultry breeds.

Biomin launched a mycotoxin detoxifier named “FUMzyme-S” which neutralizes fumonisins in swine feed by over 95%. This innovation is critical as over 70% of global feed samples in 2023 showed mycotoxin contamination. The product is already used by 5 of the top 10 swine integrators globally.

Nutreco launched an AI-based precision feed system for shrimp farms in 2023. The software uses machine learning algorithms to adjust feed pellet composition and frequency based on shrimp behavior and water quality. Field tests in Vietnam showed 20% improvement in feed conversion ratios and 15% higher survival rates.

Five Recent Developments

DSM: launched Bovaer in Latin America (2023): A methane-reducing additive for cattle, cutting emissions by 30%, now adopted across 3,000+ farms.
Evonik: expanded its amino acid plant in Singapore (2023): The facility’s DL-methionine output increased to over 180,000 metric tons annually.
Nutreco’s: AI feed solution deployed in Vietnam (2024): The AI-driven shrimp feed system showed 15% improvement in growth and feed efficiency.
Adisseo: released SmartFish™ (2023): A specialized fish enzyme feed product used in tilapia farming across Southeast Asia with 10% improved digestibility.
BASF: launched phytogenic blend in Germany (2024): The natural feed additive showed a 22% increase in gut health metrics for broilers under antibiotic-free programs.

Report Coverage of Animal Nutrition Market

The animal nutrition market report offers comprehensive analysis across all key segments including additives, feed types, species, and global regions. The report assesses the role of each additive—such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids—in optimizing animal health and improving livestock productivity. It analyzes over 50 feed additive subcategories, tracking their volume consumption trends, usage patterns, and growth drivers across poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture.

The report covers the regulatory environment governing animal nutrition, including AGP bans, organic feed certification, and environmental restrictions related to greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. It highlights over 35 major national and international regulatory frameworks influencing feed practices in more than 40 countries. It also identifies compliance-driven opportunities in EU, U.S., China, India, and Brazil.

In-depth company profiling is provided for the top 18 industry players, examining product portfolios, production capacities, geographic outreach, patent filings, and investment strategies. Comparative analysis of two market leaders, DSM and Evonik, is included with quantitative output data.

The report covers recent product innovations, from encapsulated vitamin blends to bio-based enzymes, and evaluates their impact on feed efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. It includes data from over 80 published feed trials conducted across five continents during 2022–2024.

Regional insights span North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, examining each region's feed consumption patterns, livestock population dynamics, and investment inflows. The report assesses over 25 regional programs and public-private partnerships impacting animal feed practices.