Asia-Pacific Cattle Feed Market Outlook, 2029

Traditionally, cattle feeding in the Asia-Pacific region were dominated by practices which were forage-based low livestock productivity and less nutritional value. However, by the late 20th century when populations grew and income improved, it then became a major shift towards commercialized cattle feeding. Farmers then started using mixed feeds and nutritional supplements for cattle growth and milk production. Further accelerated globalization resulted in the more intensive adaptation of high technologies and practices coming from developed regions of livestock transformation into the new market structure.

Innovation in the cattle feed area has resulted in tremendous progresses in feed formulation such that nutritionally balanced diets, growth rates, and yields in milk have improved. Examples include the use of probiotics, enzymes, and other dietary supplements. The other fascinating development is precision feeding, where the feeding management of animals is tailored to the specific needs of individual animals. Growing sustainability focus has encouraged significant research into alternative feed ingredients such as insect protein and algae, thereby increasing diversity in feed options. Indeed, technological advancement remained at the heart of optimizing efficiency and effectiveness in producing cattle feeds.

By these feed processing technologies of pelleting, extrusion, and fermentation, digestibility and nutritional values are improved. More recently, mobile applications have also been popular for convenient monitoring and management of livestock, feeding patterns, and expert nutrition advice from specialists. Recent trends have portrayed an increased interest in more sustainable feeds by focusing on eco-friendly feed solutions that contribute to much-reduced impacts on the environment. The pandemic caused by COVID-19, though disruptive to supply chains impacting feed production and distribution, can only trigger a spate of innovation in online and direct sales channels-thus making access to cattle feed much faster and even more efficient than before.

According to the research report, “Asia-Pacific Cattle Feed Market Outlook 2029” the market is expected to grow with a 4.17% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. A significant growth factor for this rising growth in the Asia-Pacific cattle feed market comes mainly from increased urbanization, a rise in disposable incomes, and an increased demand for quality meat and dairy products in diets. Increased feeding practices through governmental initiatives combined with investments by the private sector provide improved systems for feeding smallholder farmers.

On top of that, governments as well as private enterprises are expending humongous amounts on infrastructure to upgrade feed production infrastructure as well as distribution systems, with most of them built to promote overall livestock management practices. The government policies in the Asia-Pacific region are now seen to become more cattle feed market friendly. With such a wide variety of programs to promote the productivity of livestock, it has promoted the subsidy on feed production and establishment of quality control measures to ensure feed safety and traceability.

At the same time, in most countries, governments have aligned agricultural policies with sustainability, embracing low-carbon footprint practices and encouraging further environmental conservation through appropriate livestock farming practices, which generates growth in the industry. The current market trends in the Asia-Pacific sector of cattle feed are quite telling in an emerging trend towards feed quality as consumers grow more discriminating about how feed affects the nutrition value of the meat and dairy product.

Technological integration is also undergoing a shift because feed production is becoming more efficient and cost-effective with advanced technologies. It is here that concerted efforts by universities, research institutes, and industry players are required to fuel innovation in cattle feed formulation and production methods for a more sustainable and productive cattle feeding industry.

Market Drivers

• Rising Middle-Class Affluence: The burgeoning middle class in APAC countries, particularly in China and India, is significantly driving demand for beef. As disposable incomes rise, consumers increasingly seek high-quality meat products, propelling growth in the cattle market and encouraging farmers to scale up production.
• Adoption of Modern Farming Techniques: The adoption of modern farming practices, including controlled breeding, better feeding strategies, and integrated livestock management, is transforming the cattle industry in APAC. These advancements improve productivity and enable farmers to meet increasing consumer demands more effectively.

Market Challenges

• Limited Access to Veterinary Services: Many cattle farmers in rural areas of APAC face challenges related to limited access to veterinary services and animal health resources. This lack of support can lead to higher disease rates among livestock, impacting productivity and overall market growth.
• Regulatory Compliance Issues: The cattle industry in APAC is increasingly facing scrutiny regarding food safety and quality standards. Navigating these regulations can be challenging for farmers, particularly smaller operations that may lack the resources to ensure compliance.

Market Trends

• Emphasis on Traceability and Quality Assurance: There is a growing trend towards traceability and quality assurance in the APAC cattle market. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency about the origins of their beef, prompting producers to implement traceability systems that enhance consumer confidence.
• Increasing Popularity of Sustainable Practices: The APAC cattle industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainable farming practices. Farmers are adopting eco-friendly methods, such as organic farming and regenerative agriculture, in response to rising consumer awareness about environmental impacts and animal welfare.

The beef cattle lead the Asia-Pacific cattle feed market is due to the growing demand for high-quality protein sources driven by rising incomes and changing dietary preferences in the region.

As the Asia-Pacific region continues to experience rapid economic growth, there is a notable shift towards increased meat consumption, particularly beef. This trend is largely fueled by rising disposable incomes and urbanization, which have led consumers to prioritize protein-rich diets. For instance, countries like China and India are witnessing significant increases in beef consumption as their middle classes expand. Additionally, the industrialization of livestock production is playing a crucial role in this growth. In Bangladesh, for example, there has been a remarkable 56% increase in beef feed production as feed millers focus on meeting the burgeoning market for concentrated cattle feed1.

Similarly, South Korea reported a 3% increase in its cattle feed production, reflecting a broader trend across the region where countries are enhancing their beef production capabilities to satisfy local and international demand. Moreover, the increasing awareness of health benefits associated with high-quality beef and dairy products has prompted consumers to seek premium animal protein sources. This has led to innovations in feed formulations aimed at improving cattle health and productivity. Companies like Cargill and ADM are investing heavily in developing specialized feeds that cater to these needs, ensuring that cattle receive optimal nutrition for growth and health.

The leading position of forages in the Asia-Pacific cattle feed market is primarily attributed to their ability to enhance livestock productivity and sustainability through improved nutrition and environmental benefits.

Forages, particularly legumes, are increasingly recognized for their dual role in livestock production and environmental health. They not only provide high-quality feed that boosts milk quantity and quality but also contribute to soil health by fixing nitrogen, which is essential for crop growth. For instance, alfalfa, a premier forage crop, is valued for its high yield and adaptability, making it a preferred choice among dairy farmers aiming to maximize output. The cultivation of forages like cowpea and moth bean can also mitigate agricultural challenges; cowpea helps control pests such as the spotted bollworm, while moth bean reduces root rot diseases in neighbouring crops.

This intercropping strategy not only enhances the nutritional profile of cattle feed but also promotes sustainable farming practices by preventing soil degradation and enhancing biodiversity. Moreover, the rising demand for meat and dairy products in the Asia-Pacific region driven by increasing disposable incomes and changing dietary preferences has led to a surge in cattle populations.

For example, India’s livestock sector has seen significant growth, with millions of cattle raised primarily for milk production. This growing demand has prompted farmers to seek out forages that can provide balanced nutrition at lower costs compared to conventional feed sources. The emphasis on local feed resources reduces reliance on imported ingredients, thus lowering overall feeding costs while supporting local economies.

China leads the Asia-Pacific cattle feed products market primarily due to its robust agricultural infrastructure and an ever-increasing demand for meat, driven by a large population and rising incomes.

China's dominance in the Asia-Pacific cattle feed market is underpinned by several interrelated factors. First, the country possesses a formidable agricultural sector that has evolved significantly over recent decades. This evolution includes the industrialization of livestock production, which has modernized farming practices and improved efficiency in feed utilization. As a result, China's livestock sector is now one of the largest in the world, contributing substantially to both domestic consumption and export markets. The sheer size of China's population creates an insatiable demand for meat products, further propelling the need for high-quality cattle feed.

The government has also implemented policies aimed at enhancing food security, which includes investing in agricultural technology and infrastructure to support livestock farming.Moreover, the increasing affluence of the Chinese middle class has led to a dietary shift towards higher meat consumption, particularly beef and dairy products. This shift necessitates a corresponding increase in cattle feed production to meet the growing protein requirements. Additionally, China's focus on improving feed conversion ratios through advanced nutritional formulations has resulted in more efficient livestock production systems. The country is also home to numerous large-scale poultry and livestock farms that prioritize high-quality feed to boost productivity and animal health.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Cattle Feed market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Dairy Cattle
• Beef Cattle
• Calves
• Others

By Ingredients

• Cereals/Grains
• Protein Meals/ Cackles
• Additives
• Forages
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Cattle Feed industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.