Feed And Aquafeed Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Completed Feed, Concentrated Feed, Premixed Feed5), By Application (Poultry, Ruminant, Pig, Aqua, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Feed And Aquafeed Market Overview

Global Feed And Aquafeed Market size is anticipated to be worth USD 496345.54 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 756898.13 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.8%.

The Feed and Aquafeed market plays a central role in ensuring food security by providing nutritionally balanced diets to livestock and aquatic species. In 2023, global animal feed production surpassed 1.29 billion metric tons, with aquafeed contributing over 58 million metric tons. Asia-Pacific accounted for more than 40% of global feed output, driven by intensive livestock production in countries such as China, India, and Vietnam. Feed manufacturers are investing in amino acid enrichment, trace minerals, and precision nutrition technologies to optimize animal health. With over 70% of production costs in aquaculture attributed to feed, innovations in cost-efficient, high-protein alternatives such as soybean meal, fishmeal replacements, and insect protein are increasing. More than 32% of fish feed produced globally is used for tilapia and shrimp, two of the most farmed aquatic species. This market is witnessing a rise in functional feed ingredients like probiotics and phytogenics, which are used in over 25% of compound feed formulations.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Rising demand for high-efficiency livestock nutrition and aquaculture protein sources.

Top Country/Region: China leads the global market, producing over 220 million metric tons of feed annually.

Top Segment: Poultry feed holds the highest share with over 480 million metric tons produced globally.

Feed And Aquafeed Market Trends

The market is witnessing a notable shift toward sustainable and functional feed ingredients. In 2023, more than 62% of global feed producers reported incorporating feed additives such as enzymes, organic acids, and essential oils. The demand for antibiotic-free feed rose by 28% year-over-year due to global regulatory restrictions. The aquafeed market is embracing innovation in microencapsulation technology, enabling enhanced delivery of nutrients to species like salmon and carp, which together represent 45% of global aquafeed consumption.

The integration of precision farming in feed management is rising. Approximately 31% of large-scale feed operators now use automated feed formulation software, enabling nutrient optimization and waste reduction. Feed costs constitute 60%–70% of total animal production expenditure, prompting manufacturers to adopt alternate protein sources like black soldier fly larvae, which saw a production increase of 40% in 2023.

Plant-based protein ingredients now account for 55% of total feed formulations globally. Moreover, algae-based omega-3 alternatives in aquafeed have grown in usage by 35%, reducing dependence on wild fish stocks. Climate-resilient feed crops, such as sorghum and millet, are also being used more extensively due to their water efficiency—contributing to 22% of feed compositions in drought-prone regions.

Feed And Aquafeed Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Demand for High-Efficiency Livestock Nutrition

The global population exceeded 8 billion in 2023, escalating demand for protein-rich food. Over 77 billion animals were slaughtered for food last year, demanding consistent, nutrient-dense feed. In poultry farming, efficient feed conversion ratios are critical—broilers achieve weight gain of 1.8 kg from just 2.8 kg of feed. This drives demand for scientifically formulated compound feeds. The use of lysine, methionine, and threonine increased by 19% in broiler diets to enhance protein synthesis. Aquaculture feed, especially for high-value species like shrimp and salmon, is now tailored with digestible protein content above 40% to ensure rapid growth and disease resistance.

RESTRAINT

Supply Chain Disruption for Feed Ingredients

Global logistics issues, particularly from 2021 through 2023, led to a 15% spike in soybean meal prices and 20% delays in amino acid imports. Countries heavily reliant on external supplies, such as Egypt and Bangladesh, faced aquafeed shortages. Moreover, fishmeal availability declined due to reduced anchovy harvests in Peru—accounting for over 25% of global fishmeal supply. These disruptions caused inconsistent feed quality and availability, affecting animal growth performance and increasing mortality rates in aquatic species by 8% in select hatcheries.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in Functional and Specialty Feeds

The functional feed segment is expanding, with over 22% of total feed in Europe incorporating immune-boosting additives. The demand for phytogenic feed additives, used in over 70 countries, rose by 24% in 2023. These include essential oils and saponins aimed at enhancing gut health and reducing methane emissions. Specialty feed segments like starter feed for piglets and extruded feed for ornamental fish now contribute more than 10 million metric tons globally. In China, functional aquafeed is being widely adopted, particularly for shrimp farming, where probiotic-enriched feed has reduced disease outbreaks by 18%.

CHALLENGE

Environmental Regulations and Carbon Footprint

Environmental scrutiny is growing, with over 18 countries now enforcing carbon footprint labeling on feed products. Feed production is responsible for 30% of total emissions from livestock farming. Methane-reducing feed formulations using seaweed extracts are under trial but face cost challenges. Moreover, aquafeed producers must deal with eutrophication risks from uneaten feed, especially in high-density farming zones. Compliance with EU environmental directives increased operational costs by 12% for several feed manufacturers in 2023.

Feed And Aquafeed Market Segmentation

The Feed and Aquafeed market is segmented by type and application. Feed types include Completed Feed, Concentrated Feed, and Premixed Feed, while applications span Poultry, Ruminant, Pig, Aqua, and Others. The diversity in livestock nutritional needs drives the development of segment-specific formulations, ensuring optimized weight gain and minimal feed waste. Over 68% of feed demand arises from poultry and swine production.

By Type

• Completed Feed: Completed feed represents more than 70% of the total feed market. These ready-to-use blends contain all essential nutrients, accounting for 905 million metric tons globally. Poultry farms in the U.S. and Brazil use more than 80% completed feed due to operational efficiency. This feed type supports uniform nutrition and is extensively used in commercial aquaculture as floating and sinking pellets.
• Concentrated Feed: Concentrated feed comprises high-density nutritional mixtures, contributing to 220 million metric tons of global feed. Used predominantly for ruminants and pigs, this feed type is diluted with raw ingredients before use. China and India account for over 40% of the concentrated feed volume. It supports nutrient supplementation during lactation and rapid growth phases.
• Premixed Feed: Premixed feed contains micro-ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and additives. Global production crossed 90 million metric tons in 2023. This feed type ensures consistency and precision, with Europe holding a 35% share. Premixes are critical for aquafeed, particularly for larval and juvenile stages requiring exact micronutrient delivery.

By Application

• Poultry: Poultry feed accounts for approximately 480 million metric tons globally. Broiler feed formulations are rich in protein (20%–23%) and energy (3,000+ kcal/kg). Asia-Pacific dominates with a 45% share, especially in India and China. Layer feed includes calcium enrichment (4.0%–4.5%) for shell quality.
• Ruminant: Ruminant feed includes dairy and beef cattle nutrition, totaling over 210 million metric tons. Fiber-rich ingredients like silage, cornmeal, and cottonseed are used. The U.S. and Germany are key markets. Methane-reducing feed additives are gaining traction, reducing emissions by up to 30% in some trials.
• Pig: Pig feed totals 310 million metric tons, with high usage in the EU and Southeast Asia. Piglet starter feed includes plasma protein and lactose for immunity. Feed conversion ratios average 2.7:1 for finishing pigs. Disease control additives like zinc oxide are still used in many regions.
• Aqua: Aquafeed production exceeded 58 million metric tons in 2023. High-protein, low-phosphorus feeds are used for shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and carp. Floating pellets dominate freshwater segments. Algae-based DHA and microencapsulated vitamins are common additives.
• Others: Other feed applications include equine, rabbit, and pet food, collectively representing over 20 million metric tons. Specialty feed for racing horses includes oat-based high-energy blends with 14%–18% crude protein. Pet feed includes functional additives like omega-3, glucosamine, and taurine.

Feed And Aquafeed Market Regional Outlook

Global feed production is expanding, but trends vary by region due to livestock population, regulation, and technological adoption.

• North America

The U.S. remains a leader with over 230 million metric tons of feed production. Poultry and ruminants are primary consumers. Feed manufacturers emphasize corn-soybean meal blends and antibiotic-free additives. Over 68% of feed plants are fully automated.

• Europe

Europe produced more than 265 million metric tons of compound feed. Regulatory pressure on antibiotic use and GMOs influences ingredient sourcing. Germany, France, and the Netherlands are key players. Premix usage is highest here, comprising 35% of all formulations.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads in production volume, exceeding 520 million metric tons. China contributes 220 million, followed by India (130 million) and Vietnam (45 million). Rapid aquaculture expansion drives aquafeed demand, particularly for shrimp and tilapia.

• Middle East & Africa

Feed production is growing, particularly in Egypt, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. The region accounted for over 45 million metric tons in 2023. Investments are growing in poultry and aquaculture feed plants, with floating feed being introduced in Nile Delta aquafarms.

List of Top Feed And Aquafeed Market Companies

• Charoen Pokphand Group
• New Hope Group
• Cargill
• Land O'Lakes
• Wens Foodstuff Group
• Haid Group
• BRF S.A.
• ForFarmers
• Tyson Foods
• Nutreco
• De Heus Animal Nutrition
• Twins Group
• JA Zen-Noh
• Alltech
• ACOLID
• LIYUAN GROUP
• Royal Agrifirm Group
• NACF
• WH Group
• Tongwei Group

Top 2 Companies with highest share

Charoen Pokphand Group: Produces over 30 million metric tons annually, dominating the Asian feed sector. Charoen Pokphand Group is the largest feed manufacturer in Asia, producing over 30 million metric tons of animal feed annually. The company operates more than 200 feed mills across countries including China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. CP Group covers a wide range of livestock and aquafeed categories, supplying feeds for poultry, swine, cattle, and aquatic species such as tilapia and shrimp. In China alone, CP manufactures approximately 10 million metric tons of feed per year.

Cargill: Operates in 70+ countries with more than 275 feed plants, producing over 20 million metric tons. Cargill is one of the world’s leading agribusiness companies with a strong footprint in the feed and aquafeed market. It produces over 20 million metric tons of feed each year through more than 275 manufacturing plants spread across 70+ countries. Cargill's feed solutions include compound feed, premixes, additives, and customized nutrition products for poultry, pigs, ruminants, and aquaculture.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in feed and aquafeed manufacturing is rising due to technological innovations, sustainability, and food security needs. In 2023, more than $6.5 billion was allocated globally to expand feed production facilities. Vertical integration by meat producers is increasing—more than 33% of poultry integrators now produce their own feed. Automated blending systems and robotics in feed plants are being adopted to reduce human error and enhance efficiency.

Private equity is entering the functional feed space, with over 120 deals closed in 2023 involving gut-health additive startups. Moreover, feed equipment manufacturers reported a 22% increase in orders for extrusion and pelleting machines. Aquafeed startups focusing on plant-based and insect protein saw $310 million in funding.

Growth is anticipated in customized feed, especially in pet and equine nutrition. More than 15% of equine feed in the U.K. is now tailor-made. Investment opportunities also lie in climate-resilient feed ingredients such as algae, millet, and microbial proteins. Feed analytics platforms, using AI to monitor consumption patterns and conversion efficiency, are growing. In 2024, over 140 feed plants worldwide are expected to implement AI tools for optimization.

New Product Development

The Feed and Aquafeed market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by innovation in formulation techniques, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and advanced processing technologies. In 2023 alone, over 150 new feed products were introduced globally, targeting species-specific dietary needs and environmental compliance.

One of the prominent developments is the use of insect-based proteins, particularly black soldier fly larvae meal, as a replacement for fishmeal. This alternative is now being integrated into more than 5 million metric tons of aquafeed annually. Companies in Europe and Southeast Asia launched protein concentrates with 55%–60% crude protein content specifically designed for shrimp and tilapia farming.

Another significant trend is the introduction of precision enzyme blends, such as xylanase-phytase combinations, which improve feed digestibility by up to 14%. These are now standard in over 30% of poultry feed formulas in North America. High-heat stable probiotics and prebiotics, capable of surviving pelleting temperatures up to 90°C, are also being launched to maintain gut health across piglets, broilers, and fish larvae.

In ruminant feed, new slow-release urea formulations are gaining traction. These help maintain rumen nitrogen levels and reduce ammonia excretion by 23%. Algae-derived omega-3 fortified feeds were developed for high-value aquaculture species like salmon and trout, increasing fillet quality scores by 18% in consumer panels.

Digital innovations also mark a new frontier. Smart feed tags embedded in packaging allow farmers to trace batch quality, formulation, and compliance data via QR codes. These digital labels are now used in more than 20% of export-bound feed in the EU.

Additionally, methane-inhibiting dairy cattle feeds using additives like 3-NOP and seaweed extracts have been commercialized in the Netherlands and Australia. Early trials have shown up to 60% methane emission reductions without affecting milk yield. These specialty feeds now account for over 4 million metric tons in the global ruminant feed market.

In summary, new product development in the Feed and Aquafeed market is being steered by sustainable protein alternatives, precision nutrition, functional additives, and traceability technology—all aimed at improving animal performance, feed efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Five Recent Developments

• Nutreco: launched a microalgae-based omega-3 feed for trout in 2023, enhancing growth rates by 13%.
• Cargill: inaugurated a new 50,000 MT/year aquafeed plant in Vietnam in Q1 2024.
• Alltech: introduced a mycotoxin binder that achieved 93% binding efficiency in corn-based diets.
• Charoen Pokphand: expanded into insect protein, producing 1,500 MT of black soldier fly meal in 2023.
• De Heus: rolled out an antibiotic-free calf starter feed in Europe, improving weight gain by 11%.

Report Coverage of Feed And Aquafeed Market

The Feed and Aquafeed Market report comprehensively covers the full spectrum of the global industry, offering granular insights into production volumes, ingredient usage, regional trends, and market segmentation. The report provides detailed data-driven analysis, supported by over 50 quantitative datasets related to feed production, ingredient usage, and species-specific formulations.

The scope includes segmentation by type, such as Completed Feed, Concentrated Feed, and Premixed Feed—each assessed for their contribution to the total feed volume and nutritional profile. It also includes application segmentation, covering poultry, ruminants, pigs, aqua species, and other niche animal categories such as equines and pets. Each application is analyzed in terms of feed conversion ratios, nutrient demand, and prevalent ingredient usage.

Geographically, the report spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with regional sections dedicated to market drivers, production facilities, government policies, and consumption behavior. For example, the Asia-Pacific region is explored in depth due to its production volume exceeding 520 million metric tons, while Europe’s leadership in premix and functional feed innovation is highlighted.

The report also includes company profiling of 20 major feed manufacturers, noting their production capacities, geographic coverage, and product innovations. This includes Charoen Pokphand Group, Cargill, New Hope Group, Nutreco, and others. Strategic moves such as plant expansions, mergers, vertical integration, and sustainable ingredient sourcing are analyzed in context.

In terms of market dynamics, the report dives into key drivers like rising demand for high-efficiency animal nutrition, restraints such as supply chain volatility for raw materials, and opportunities presented by functional feeds and alternative proteins. Additionally, it addresses challenges including regulatory compliance and environmental impact mitigation.

Furthermore, the report covers investment analysis, highlighting capital flow into new feed mills, processing technology, and ingredient startups, along with new product development and recent innovations in feed ingredients, processing, and delivery mechanisms.

In essence, the report delivers a robust and factual view of the Feed and Aquafeed market landscape, serving stakeholders involved in production, investment, and strategic planning within the global animal nutrition industry.

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