Cattle Feed Market Overview, 2024-29

The global cattle feed market in the heart of agricultural landscape flourishes by way of innovation and commitment to optimize animal health and farm profitability. Cattle feed is that food given to cows and other bovines in its respective areas to meet their nutritional requirements. It can include different types of molasses, mixers, grains, forages, oilseeds, protein cakes, and agro-industrial by-products formulated with the availability of vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, phosphorous, magnesium, omega-3, and fibers. It helps in the prevention of insect or mold infestations to pellets and maintaining optimal body conditions as well as muscular disorders like laminitis and azoturia.

It also increases reproductive efficiency, enhances milk production with better fat content, and maintains a balanced diet. The increasing concern with diseases that may attack the livestock is promoting the adoption of specialized cattle feeds with added medications or supplements as preventive measures. Furthermore, the increasing number of online-based direct purchase platforms that facilitate access of cattle feed by remote or small-scale farmers have increased the market demand. In addition to this, growing influence of social media helping to decide the choice of consumers and spreading awareness about ethical farming and animal welfare is further accelerating the growth of the market.

The increased popularity of agri-tourism wherein visitors wish to see well-maintained, healthy livestock is augmenting the growth of the market. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) had forecasted a 1.7% year-on-year growth in the demand for cattle products by 2050, the demand for dairy products is likely to increase by 55%, and for beef by 70%. growing demand for milk and dairy products in developing countries to increase the global market during the forecasted period. the market has been driven by the industrialisation of cattle products including meat and dairy products as well as the increasing population.

According to the research report, “Global Cattle Feed Market Overview, 2024-29” the market is anticipated to cross USD 100 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 84.71 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with a 3.45% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. For years, the basic factor driving the growth of the market has been the rise in consumer knowledge of the nutritional value of food as well as the safety of meat and milk products. The cattle can be broadly categorized as young ruminants and mature ruminants. Amino acids, vitamins, feed acidifiers, antibiotics, feed enzymes, antioxidants, and other supplements are used according to the age of the ruminant.

Availa-4 and 20-10 Plus Mineral, along with products of vitamin A, are often used to enhance the immune system, reproductive ability, and vision of the cattle while fulfilling the nutritional gaps. Being a major raw materials producing nation in the region, COVID-19 has impacted the supply-demand of ingredients and additives in the operations created at Wuhan in Hubei province, where it was first developed. Its inability also to get crucial materials, including soybean meal, to the cattle farms because travel from and to the country was restricted. Chinese firms are still not allowed to export their products even though the ban on the movement of necessities has been lifted by China.

China produces the greatest share of additives in the world, most of which include Vitamin B & D, lysine, and threonine. The critical commodities consumers, North America and Europe have faced a severe impact during the three pandemics because of slow exports and disruptions in shipping. The demand for main grains such as barley, maize, and wheat from other commercial applications that include the biofuel and food industries would restrict the growth of the industry during the forecasting period. These would reduce the market growth of cattle feed during the forecasted period.

Market Drivers

• Growing Global Demand for Protein: One of the primary drivers of the global cattle market is the increasing demand for protein, particularly beef, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. As emerging economies, especially in Asia and Africa, experience rising incomes, more consumers are shifting towards diets that include more meat, leading to heightened cattle production. This demand is not only limited to traditional markets but is expanding in regions where beef consumption has historically been low, creating significant growth opportunities for cattle farmers worldwide.
• Technological Advancements in Farming: The integration of technology in cattle farming is revolutionizing the global industry. Innovations such as precision agriculture, advanced breeding techniques, and health management systems are enhancing productivity and efficiency. Farmers are increasingly using data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT devices to monitor livestock health, optimize feed efficiency, and improve overall herd management. These technological advancements help producers meet the rising demand for beef while ensuring sustainability and profitability.

Market Challenges

• Climate Change and Environmental Concerns: Climate change poses a significant challenge to the global cattle market. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, adversely affect cattle health and productivity. Additionally, the cattle industry faces scrutiny due to its environmental impact, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions and land use. As consumers and governments push for more sustainable practices, cattle farmers must adapt to changing regulations and societal expectations, which can increase operational costs.
• Health and Safety Regulations: The global cattle market is subject to stringent health and safety regulations aimed at preventing diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Navigating these regulations can be challenging for farmers, especially smallholders who may lack the resources to comply with complex safety standards. The need for compliance can lead to increased production costs and market access barriers, particularly in regions with less developed regulatory frameworks.

Market Trends

• Sustainable and Ethical Farming Practices: There is a growing trend towards sustainability and ethical farming practices within the global cattle industry. Consumers are increasingly concerned about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the impact of cattle farming on climate change. As a result, many producers are adopting practices such as regenerative agriculture, organic farming, and humane treatment standards to meet consumer expectations. This trend not only enhances brand reputation but also opens up new market opportunities for sustainably produced beef.
• Emergence of Alternative Proteins: The rise of alternative proteins, including plant-based meat substitutes and lab-grown meat, is becoming a significant trend in the global cattle market. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, the demand for meat alternatives is increasing. This shift poses both a challenge and an opportunity for traditional cattle farmers, who may need to adapt their strategies and explore diversification into alternative protein sources to remain competitive in an evolving market landscape.

The growth of calves in the global cattle feed market is due to the increasing demand for high-quality meat and dairy products driven by rising population and income levels, particularly in developing nations.

As the global population continues to expand, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa, there is a corresponding surge in demand for protein-rich foods such as meat and dairy. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that by 2050, that there is the demand for dairy products. This significant rise in consumption has led to a greater emphasis on efficient cattle production systems, which rely heavily on nutritionally balanced cattle feed. For instance, countries like India are witnessing rapid growth in their cattle feed markets due to increased food consumption and disposable income.

Moreover, advancements in animal nutrition science have allowed for the development of specialized feed formulations that enhance cattle health and productivity. These innovations not only improve feed conversion efficiency but also address specific health issues such as infertility and late puberty in heifers, which are prevalent in dairy cattle4. The industrialization of livestock production has further accelerated this trend, as farmers increasingly adopt modern practices to meet the nutritional needs of their herds while ensuring higher yields of milk and meat. Additionally, environmental factors such as droughts or floods can limit natural grazing options, prompting farmers to rely more on prepared cattle feed to maintain herd health. This reliance on formulated feeds ensures that cattle receive essential nutrients even when traditional forage is scarce.

The global cattle feed market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for high-quality protein sources in livestock nutrition, particularly through the use of protein meals and cakes.

As populations grow and dietary preferences shift towards protein-rich foods, the cattle feed industry is adapting to meet these demands. For instance, the rising consumption of meat and dairy products is driving farmers to seek out more nutritionally balanced feed options that enhance livestock health and productivity. Protein meals, derived from oilseeds and grains, are becoming essential components of cattle feed because they provide a concentrated source of protein necessary for optimal growth, reproduction, and milk production in cattle. The International Dairy Federation has highlighting the urgency for improved cattle nutrition to support this demand.

Additionally, innovations in feed formulation are addressing the nutritional needs of livestock more effectively. For example, recent advancements have led to the development of affordable techniques for converting coal into protein, as demonstrated by Chinese scientists. This method could revolutionize feed production by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plant-based proteins while reducing land usage. Moreover, the increasing focus on animal health has prompted farmers to incorporate high-quality protein sources into their feeds to prevent diseases and enhance overall livestock welfare.

Regions such as Asia-Pacific are witnessing rapid growth in cattle feed markets due to urbanization and rising incomes, which have led to increased meat consumption. The region's expanding middle class is driving demand for beef and dairy products, thereby necessitating a shift towards more efficient and nutritious feeding practices. Furthermore, partnerships among companies are fostering innovation in cattle feed formulations, ensuring that livestock receive balanced diets tailored to their specific needs.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing rapid growth in the global cattle feed products market primarily due to increasing meat and dairy consumption driven by population growth, rising incomes, and urbanization.

As the APAC region continues to develop economically, there is a notable surge in demand for meat and dairy products, which is directly influencing the cattle feed market. The region's population is projected to grow significantly, leading to a higher demand for protein sources, particularly meat and milk. In countries like China and India, where traditional diets are increasingly supplemented with animal protein, the need for efficient livestock production has become paramount. This has resulted in a shift from traditional farming practices to more industrialized livestock production systems that require high-quality, nutritionally balanced cattle feed.

The transition to organized livestock farming not only enhances productivity but also addresses concerns regarding animal health and welfare.Furthermore, rising disposable incomes among consumers in developing nations have led to changes in dietary preferences, with a marked increase in the consumption of meat and dairy products. According to projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global demand for dairy products is expected to rise in great demand in the forecast period.

This anticipated growth underscores the necessity for robust cattle feed solutions that can support increased production levels while maintaining animal health.Additionally, government initiatives aimed at improving animal husbandry practices and ensuring food security are further propelling the cattle feed market. These initiatives often focus on enhancing feed quality through research and development of innovative feed additives that promote better growth rates and overall health in livestock.

• January 2023: De Heus Animal Nutrition starts its new greenfield animal feed factory in Ivory Coast, with an installed capacity to manufacture 120,000 metric tons of feed to cattle and other animals.
• May 2022: Archer Daniel Midland Co. acquires a feed mill in Southern Mindanao, Philippines to continue expansion efforts for its Animal Nutrition business in the country.
• November 2021: De Heus Vietnam signed a strategic partnership with Masan, after which De Heus took complete control over the feed business of MNS Feed. The feed business owned by MNS Feed operates thirteen animal feed mills and has nearly 4 million metric tons of production capacity, further solidifying De Heus' dominance in Southeast Asia's largest animal feed market.

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.