Middle East & Africa Cattle Feed Market Outlook, 2029

From arid deserts to lush pastures, cattle feed markets are no longer feeding livestock; they are feeding the future of the Middle East and Africa. The bottom line is every grain has a story of growth and sustainability in the MEA cattle feed market, which is experiencing technological developments regarding feed formulation and processing. There are also certain innovations related to precision nutrition, the use of feed additives, and, consequently, the increased efficiency in feeds and better productivity from livestock.

Sustainability is an important part of the industry also, and companies today show a strong trend towards cleaning up their feed productions through the use of food processing and agricultural by-products as alternative feed sources. This shift towards sustainability goes beyond the increasing needs for environmentally friendly products; it also reduces waste in the agricultural sector. The highest rate of urbanization in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa translates to the increased demand for quality livestock products. The majority of aspects in the cattle feed market will be significantly affected by this action of increasing populations for urban settings.

With the rise in urban population, the demand for beef and dairy increases; therefore, efficient and nutritious cattle feed needs to be available. In addition, urbanization is expanding the infrastructure for transporting larger numbers of livestock and distributing feed, thereby making markets more accessible. Besides the increased demand brought about by the pattern shift, a change in pattern also supports modern farming by embracing what urban consumers demand: fresh high-quality meat products. With South Africa introducing GMO feed into their farms, and subsequently increasing the productivity and efficiency of livestock farming, consumers in other regions, such as in the GCC, prefer non-GMO products.

The main reasons behind the trend include consumer health and greater awareness about food sources. With such trends, an increasing demand for organic and non-GMO cattle feed has been noticed, which also depicts the growing trend in sustainable and healthy farming practices. This new growth of non-GMO alternatives expresses the necessity of producers to market to varied consumer preferences and market needs.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Cattle Feed Market Outlook 2029” the market is anticipated to cross USD 3.24 Billion by 2029. Government policies will greatly affect the growth of the cattle feed market in the MEA region. Many governments, therefore, have put in place supportive policies to enhance livestock production as well as food security. The Saudi government, for instance, initiated agricultural programs in order to improve the country's local production capabilities. Several countries, up to date, have established regulatory frameworks on the usage of GMOs in animal feed to avoid influencing consumer safety and environment.

Reducing dependence on imported feed, incentives from governments to encourage production of local feeds boost the availability of quality cattle feeds and a robust agricultural sector. The economic drive of the cattle feed market of MEA - is brought about by increased disposable incomes and shifting dietary patterns that increase the demand for meat consumption in terms of beef and dairy products. Regional growth in population leads to the increased consumption of cattle feed, so production strategies need to be more efficient. Regional trade agreements also promote feed products' cross border transport and further enhance market growth opportunities.

Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa are emerging quite as big geese in the cattle feed trade market as they strategize on their agricultural potential to fill the regional demands. The MEA market for cattle feeds is highly competitive, with both domestic and foreign firms competing for market share. Moreover, the market experiences inflations of innovations in feed products and pricing strategies.

Yet, the challenge of sustainability issues still remains due to livestock farming, which currently impacts the environment-the balance between producing greenhouse gas emissions and degrading land. Ecological balance is being addressed in a more sustainable feed solution. Besides, such a change in climate is posing severe risks to livestock productivity and feed availability by promoting increased research into drought-resistant feed crops.

Market Drivers

• Urbanization and Changing Dietary Habits: Rapid urbanization in the MEA region is driving demand for high-quality protein sources, including beef. As urban populations grow, consumer preferences shift towards more diverse and protein-rich diets, stimulating growth in the cattle market as farmers strive to meet this demand.
• Investment in Local Production: Governments across the MEA region are investing in initiatives to boost local cattle production and reduce dependency on imports. These investments often include infrastructure development, farmer training programs, and financial incentives, which enhance the capabilities of local producers.

Market Challenges

• Water Scarcity and Climate Variability: The MEA region faces severe water scarcity, which poses significant challenges for cattle farming. Farmers must navigate climate variability and adopt water-efficient practices, as inconsistent rainfall and droughts can dramatically impact livestock health and productivity.
• Political Instability: Political instability in certain parts of the MEA region can disrupt supply chains and market access for cattle producers. This instability creates uncertainty for farmers, making it difficult to plan for the future and affecting overall investment in the cattle industry.

Market Trends

• Focus on Livestock Health Innovations: The MEA cattle market is seeing increased emphasis on livestock health innovations, including vaccines and nutritional supplements. These innovations help enhance cattle productivity and reduce disease prevalence, enabling farmers to optimize their operations and improve profitability.
• Growth of Halal Beef Market: The demand for halal-certified beef is rapidly increasing in the MEA region, driven by cultural and religious preferences. This trend prompts cattle producers to ensure compliance with halal standards, allowing them to tap into a lucrative niche market.

The leading position of beef cattle in the Middle East and Africa cattle feed market is primarily driven by high demand for beef products, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where reliance on imports has surged due to limited local production capabilities.

In the Middle East, particularly within the GCC, there is a significant and growing demand for beef driven by an affluent population and changing dietary preferences. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have seen a marked increase in beef consumption, with beef accounting for a substantial portion of red meat intake. The region's reliance on imports, coupled with limited local production, further amplifies this demand. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s beef production has been declining, necessitating increased imports to meet consumer needs. This situation is compounded by cultural factors where beef is a staple in many traditional dishes, enhancing its desirability among consumers.

Additionally, the economic growth and urbanization in these regions have led to higher disposable incomes, enabling consumers to spend more on premium meat products. The importation of beef from countries like India, Brazil, and Australia highlights the international trade dynamics that support local markets. Furthermore, the strategic location of countries like Ethiopia provides access to vast livestock resources that cater to both domestic and export markets, particularly towards the Middle East.

Ethiopian lowland breeds are particularly sought after for their quality and adaptability, making them a key player in fulfilling regional demands. The establishment of export-oriented abattoirs and supportive government policies aimed at enhancing livestock trade have also played a crucial role in positioning beef cattle as a dominant force in the market.

Forage is leading the cattle feed market in the Middle East and Africa primarily due to its adaptability and sustainability in diverse climatic conditions, which enhances livestock productivity and food security.

The significance of forage crops in the cattle feed market stems from their ability to thrive in arid and semi-arid regions, where traditional feed sources may be scarce. Forage crops, such as legumes and grasses, are specifically cultivated for their high nutritional value, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for the health and productivity of livestock. These crops not only support animal health but also contribute to increased milk and meat production, which is vital for food security in the region. Moreover, many forage varieties are drought-resistant, allowing them to grow even with limited water resources, making them particularly suitable for areas prone to dry spells.

This resilience helps stabilize feed supplies throughout the year, reducing the vulnerability of livestock producers to seasonal variations in feed availability. Additionally, forage crops play a critical role in sustainable agricultural practices. They improve soil fertility and structure by enhancing organic matter content and reducing erosion. This ecological benefit is essential for maintaining the long-term viability of farming systems in regions that face environmental challenges. The integration of forage crops into crop-livestock systems can also lead to improved resource utilization and increased biodiversity, which further supports ecosystem health.

Furthermore, as global demand for animal products rises, forage crops provide a cost-effective solution for livestock feeding. They can be grown alongside staple crops or as part of a rotational system, maximizing land use efficiency. The economic viability of forage production not only supports farmers' livelihoods but also contributes to local economies by providing a reliable source of animal feed that can be marketed throughout the year.

South Africa's cattle feed market is thriving due to its well-established agricultural infrastructure, significant self-sufficiency in feed production, and increasing demand for animal protein.

The South African animal feed industry has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1930s, becoming a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy. A key factor contributing to its success is the country's robust agricultural infrastructure, which allows for efficient production and distribution of various feed products. South Africa has achieved a notable level of self-sufficiency in animal feed production, producing a substantial portion of its requirements domestically. This self-reliance reduces dependence on imports, enhancing food security and stabilizing prices for local farmers.

The country benefits from a diverse range of feed ingredients due to its favorable climate and agricultural resources, particularly maize and sunflower seeds, which are primary components in cattle feed formulations. As consumer preferences shift towards higher protein diets, the demand for animal products, especially poultry and beef, continues to rise. Poultry feed accounts for the largest share of total feed consumption in South Africa, driven by increasing meat consumption rates. The growing urban population and rising disposable incomes further fuel this demand, prompting investments in feed production technologies that enhance efficiency and quality.

Technological advancements such as automation and data analytics have revolutionized the industry, allowing for precision feeding and improved quality control measures. Moreover, the South African government has been proactive in supporting agricultural research and development, which fosters innovation within the feed sector. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing nutritionally balanced feeds that meet specific dietary needs while promoting animal health and welfare.

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.