Starter Feed Market Report 2026

The starter feed market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $37.88 billion in 2025 to $40.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in commercial livestock farming, rising focus on early animal nutrition, expansion of poultry and swine production, increased availability of formulated feeds, adoption of compound feed practices.

The starter feed market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $53.71 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for antibiotic-free feeds, rising investments in animal nutrition research, expansion of aquaculture starter feeds, growing focus on feed efficiency optimization, increasing regulatory scrutiny on medicated feeds. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-protein starter feeds, rising adoption of non-medicated feed formulations, growing use of soy-based feed ingredients, expansion of organic starter feed options, enhanced focus on gut health nutrition.

The growth of the aquaculture industry is expected to drive the starter feed market. Aquaculture involves breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments for commercial purposes. Starter feed supports the growth and development of fish and other aquatic animals by providing essential proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and amino acids. For instance, in March 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported Snow/Queen Crab consumption reached 61,266 metric tonnes in 2023, up from 48,446 metric tonnes in 2022, while overall crab and other species consumption totaled 22,217 metric tonnes in 2023 compared to 24,313 metric tonnes in 2022. Therefore, the growth of the aquaculture industry is boosting the starter feed market.

Major companies in the starter feed market are focusing on developing innovative nutritional solutions to improve livestock health, growth, and immunity. Nutritional solutions include feed products, supplements, or additives enriched with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. For example, in January 2025, Godrej Agrovet Ltd., an India-based animal nutrition company, launched its Pride Hog feed range, combining balanced nutrients, probiotics, and essential vitamins to enhance pig growth performance, disease resistance, gut health, feed efficiency, and overall herd productivity.

In July 2023, Olmix Group, a biotechnology research company based in France, acquired Yes Sinergy for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition supports Olmix's commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture, strengthening its position as a leader in the market for natural solutions. By integrating resources and expertise from Yes Sinergy, Olmix aims to broaden its reach and enhance its product offerings, ultimately benefiting livestock health and productivity. Yes Sinergy, located in Brazil, specializes in developing and commercializing natural additives for animal nutrition and welfare.

Major companies operating in the starter feed market are Cargill Incorporated, BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Purina Mills LLC., Charoen Pokphand Group Co. Ltd., Roquette Freres SA, Alltech Inc., ACI Godrej Agrovet Private Limited, Associated British Foods plc, Nutreco N.V, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Devenish Nutrition Ltd., Janaki Group Of Companies, lYork Ag, De Heus Animal Nutrition BV, ForFarmers NV, Land O'Lakes Inc., Hi-Pro Feeds LP, Kent Nutrition Group Inc., Ridley Corporation Limited, Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk PT, Guangdong Haid Group Co. Ltd., Wen's Food Group Co. Ltd., Twins Group Inc., New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd., East Hope Group Company Limited, Tyson Foods Inc., The Scoular Company, Nutriad International NV.

North America was the largest region in the starter feed market in 2025. The regions covered in the starter feed market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the starter feed market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The starter feed market consists of sales of chick starter, grower, and layer feeds. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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