The inclusion of dietary fibre in animal feed is now considered a necessity to maintain a healthy digestive system, promote proper nutrient absorption and support overall animal welfare. This has contributed to the significant growth of the global animal feed dietary fibre market in recent years. Research companies estimate the market to be worth between USD 5.1 billion and USD 7 billion in 2024. Future projections indicate that the market will grow between 4.5% and 7.3% annually until 2032.
By Derya Yildiz
Dietary fibre refers to the indigestible components of plant-based foods that pass through the digestive tract largely unchanged. These components include non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and lignin, which are primarily found in plant cell walls. Unlike other nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, fibre is not broken down into sugars or absorbed in the intestine; it passes through the gastrointestinal tract largely unchanged and plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health.
Fibre helps to maintain gut health and improve immune function by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, stimulates the gastrointestinal tract to ensure smooth bowel movements, prevents problems such as constipation or diarrhoea, helps to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, thus contributing to improved overall animal welfare.
In ruminants, fibre maintains appropriate rumen pH and microbial activity, prevents acidosis and helps to increase rumination and chewing activity, improving feed digestion and nutrient absorption. It provides significant advantages in managing feed intake, especially in some species. By adding bulk to the diet, fibres promote satiety in animals and reduce the risk of overconsumption, which can be useful for the prevention of obesity.
The ability to improve the physical properties of feed, making it easier to process and use, is also one of the reasons for the use of fibres in animal feed. Another advantage is that they can be used to dilute the energy concentration of feed when a lower energy diet is required.
In summary, the inclusion of dietary fibre in animal feed is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting proper nutrient absorption and supporting overall animal welfare. By increasing fermentation, improving weight management and supporting gut health, dietary fibre is proving to be a vital component for the optimisation of animal feed.
CURRENT MARKET SITUATION AND EXPECTATIONS
The global animal feed dietary fibre market has recorded significant growth in recent years due to the increasing awareness of animal health and the importance of dietary fibres in livestock nutrition. Based on the five most recently published market reports, the market size and growth forecasts are as follows:
• According to Market Research Intellect, the global animal feed dietary fibres market was worth approximately USD 5.37 billion in 2023. According to the company, the market will exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the forecast period 2024-2031, and will reach a value of USD 7.41 billion by 2031.
• Research and Markets, which estimates the size of the global animal feed dietary fibres market in 2022 to be approximately USD 6.2 billion, forecasts the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period 2022-2032.
• Market Research Future estimates the market size to have been USD 5.10 billion in 2024 and will reach USD 5.36 billion in 2025. The company forecasts the market to reach USD 8.34 billion by 2034, indicating a CAGR of 5.04% between 2024 and 2032.
• Reports and Data forecasts the market size to grow from USD 5.06 billion in 2022 to USD 8.19 billion by 2032, corresponding to a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period.
• Presenting a valuation of USD 5.36 billion for 2023, Introspective Market Research forecasts the market to reach USD 8.74 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.58% between 2024 and 2032.
As a result, the global animal feed dietary fibre market is estimated to be worth between USD 5.1 billion and USD 7 billion in 2024, depending on the source. Future projections indicate that the market will reach a size ranging from USD 7.5 billion to USD 12 billion by 2032, with CAGRs ranging from 4.5% to 7.3%. These differences in market size and growth rates between different reports can be attributed to differences in research methodologies, market definitions and data collection approaches.
FACTORS AFFECTING MARKET GROWTH
The global animal feed dietary fibre market is poised to show significant growth due to a combination of factors related to animal health, environmental sustainability, and growing consumer demand for high-quality animal products. Analysts list the major factors that will stimulate the growth of the market as follows:
1. Increasing Awareness on Animal Health, Performance and Welfare
With increasing awareness of the health and welfare of farm animals, the demand for animal feeds that improve overall health is increasing. In particular, a better understanding by farmers of the economic benefits of optimising gut health is leading to greater adoption of dietary fibre in feed formulations. As research highlighting the benefits of dietary fibre in supporting gut health increases, the demand for fibre-enriched animal feeds is expected to grow.
2. Increasing Animal Protein Demand and Growth in Livestock Industry
The livestock sector continues to grow as demand for animal products such as meat, milk and eggs increases due to population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes. The intensification of livestock production increases the need to improve feed efficiency, animal health and productivity. Dietary fibres are essential for the digestion of fibrous plant materials and enable animals to make full use of their feed, leading to better weight gain, milk production and overall health. As the demand for animal products increases, so does the need for high quality, fibre-rich animal feed.
3. Focus on Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Practices
Sustainability is becoming a major concern in animal farming. This concern increases the demand for feed ingredients that contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. In particular, dietary fibres derived from agricultural by-products and waste materials are seen as a more sustainable option for animal feed. By using these fibres, farmers can reduce waste while increasing feed efficiency. Additionally, fibres can promote environmentally friendly practices in the livestock sector by reducing the need for more expensive and resource-intensive feed ingredients.
4. Regulatory Support and Guidelines
Governments and regulatory agencies worldwide are implementing stricter standards for animal nutrition and feed safety. These regulations often emphasise the use of high-quality ingredients, including dietary fibres, to improve the overall nutritional profile of animal diets. As regulations continue to tighten, manufacturers are increasingly focused on developing innovative fibre-rich feed products to comply with these guidelines. This regulatory pressure is encouraging the growth of the animal feed dietary fibres market.
5. Increase in Pet Ownership
The increasing trend of pet ownership, especially in developed markets, is contributing to the growth of the animal feed dietary fibre market. Pet owners are demanding high-quality, nutritious foods as they become more conscious about the health of their pets. This includes fibre-rich diets for pets such as dogs and cats that support digestive health, prevent obesity and improve overall well-being. The increasing preference for natural and functional pet foods leads to an increased demand for dietary fibres in pet food formulations.
6. Developments in Fibre Sources and Technology
Ongoing research and technological advances in the extraction and processing of dietary fibres are enabling the development of high quality, cost-effective fibre ingredients for animal feed. New sources of fibre are being explored and incorporated into animal diets, including non-traditional raw materials such as algae, seaweed, and novel plant-based fibres. These innovations help to increase the diversity and availability of fibre options, making it easier for feed manufacturers to meet the growing demand for dietary fibre in animal nutrition.
7. Economic Benefits for Farmers
The use of dietary fibre in animal feed can provide cost-effective benefits for farmers. Fibre ingredients such as wheat bran, soy hulls, and beet pulp, are generally cheaper than protein-rich feed ingredients. By adding more fibre to animal diets, farmers can reduce feed costs while ensuring sufficient nutrition for their animals. This cost-effectiveness and improvement in animal productivity encourages farmers to adopt fibre-rich feed solutions.
8. Healthier Livestock Products for Consumers
Consumers are looking for healthier, higher quality animal products such as lean meat and milk with better nutritional profiles. The use of dietary fibre in animal feed can lead to healthier animal products by improving the intestinal health of animals, reducing the risk of metabolic disorders and providing better nutrient absorption. This improved product quality increases consumer demand and hence leads to growth in the animal feed dietary fibre market.
9. Shift towards Natural and Functional Ingredients
The market for natural and functional feed ingredients that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition is growing rapidly. Both consumers and producers are increasingly looking for natural alternatives to synthetic additives. Dietary fibres fall into this category and offer benefits such as improved digestion, reduced disease risk and better feed efficiency. As the demand for functional feeds increases, so does the need for fibres that offer these health benefits. This trend is stimulating the global animal feed dietary fibre market.
10. Expansion of Aquaculture
The expansion of aquaculture is a major driving factor. Fish have special nutritional needs and fibre is becoming increasingly important for the overall health of farmed fish.
11. Economic Factors
The price of traditional feed ingredients can fluctuate. Dietary fibre can be a more cost-effective ingredient in many cases.
All these factors combined suggest that the global animal feed dietary fibre market will continue to experience significant growth in the coming years.
FACTORS LIMITING MARKET GROWTH
Although the global animal feed dietary fibre market exhibits strong growth potential, various factors may restrain this growth. The main limiting factors mentioned by analysts are as follows:
1. High Cost of Fibre-Rich Feed Ingredients
One of the major barriers to the growth of the animal feed dietary fibre market is the high cost of some fibre-rich feed ingredients. Premium dietary fibre sources such as specialised plant fibres, algae or processed fibres can be expensive to produce and incorporate into feed. The high cost of these ingredients may hinder the adoption of fibre-enriched feeds, especially as farmers in developing regions face tight margins.
2. Limited Availability of High-Quality Fibre Sources
The availability of high-quality fibre sources is a critical factor in the growth of the dietary fibre market. In many regions, especially in developing economies, access to reliable and sustainable sources of fibre-rich feed ingredients can be limited. Moreover, over-reliance on traditional fibre sources such as wheat bran, soybean hulls, or corn can lead to supply shortages or price volatility, disrupting the market.
3. Inconsistent Quality Control and Standards
The animal feed industry is highly regulated and ensuring consistent quality of feed ingredients is a critical issue. The lack of standardised quality control across regions can lead to variations in the efficacy and nutrient content of dietary fibres. Inconsistent fibre quality can hinder farmers’ confidence in and adoption of dietary fibre in feed formulations.
4. Competing Feed Ingredients
There are numerous dietary fibre alternatives that can fulfil similar nutritional roles in animal feed, such as grains, protein meals, and energy-rich feed ingredients. These alternatives can be more affordable and easier to source than specialised fibre ingredients. This competition from other feed ingredients may slow the adoption of fibre-based feed products.
5. Limited Knowledge and Awareness
Despite increasing awareness of the health benefits of dietary fibre in animal nutrition, there are still areas where the benefits of fibre supplementation in feed are not well understood. Many farmers, particularly in developing economies, may not fully understand the value of adding dietary fibre to animal diets. Therefore, lack of education and awareness may limit the demand for fibre-enriched feeds.
6. Regulatory and Policy Challenges
The regulatory environment surrounding animal feed ingredients can be complex and varies significantly between countries. Strict legislation and government policies in some regions may limit the use of some fibre-rich ingredients in animal feed. In addition, delays in approvals or the introduction of new regulations may slow the pace at which new dietary fibres are incorporated into animal feed.
7. Environment, Climate and Supply Challenges
The production of dietary fibres relies heavily on agricultural practices and any disruption to the agricultural sector due to environmental or climate-related challenges can affect the availability of fibre ingredients. Changes in weather conditions, such as droughts or floods, can lead to reduced crop yields, which in turn affects the supply of fibre-rich materials. These environmental risks can lead to supply chain disruptions and price instability, affecting both the affordability and availability of dietary fibre for animal feed.
8. Resistance to New Feed Solutions
Farmers accustomed to conventional feeding practices may be reluctant to adopt new fibre-enriched feed solutions for fear of higher costs or uncertain efficacy. Despite the growing body of research supporting the benefits of dietary fibre in improving animal health and productivity, some farmers may be hesitant to move from established practices to more innovative feed solutions. This resistance to change may slow down the growth of the market, especially in regions where traditional agricultural practices are intensive.
9. Lack of Infrastructure for Fibre Processing
Processing fibre-rich feed ingredients can be a technologically demanding process, requiring specialised equipment and infrastructure. In some regions, the lack of sufficient processing facilities for fibre sources, particularly non-traditional fibres such as seaweed or algae, can limit the ability of farmers and feed producers to incorporate these fibres into their products.
MARKET SITUATION BY ANIMAL SPECIES
The global animal feed dietary fibre market exhibits different trends and applications across various animal species, each with unique nutritional requirements and digestive physiology.
The poultry segment is a major driver of the dietary fibre market, owing to the increasing demand for poultry meat and eggs and feed efficiency, which is becoming more important with this demand. Dietary fibre, especially insoluble fibre, is used to improve gizzard function, increase nutrient digestibility and reduce the incidence of digestive disorders. Improving litter quality, especially faecal consistency in high-density operations, and reducing footpad dermatitis are also reasons why dietary fibre use has become widespread in the poultry industry. In addition, the need to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry production has further increased the demand for dietary fibre as a natural gut health promoter. As consumer demand for healthy poultry products increases, the use of fibre-enriched feeds that promote healthier and leaner poultry is expected to increase.
Ruminants (including cattle, sheep and goats) are among the primary beneficiaries of dietary fibre in animal feeds. These animals have a unique digestive system that requires high fibre content for efficient fermentation in the rumen. Fibres help support rumen health, improve nutrient absorption and increase overall feed utilisation. Fibre for ruminants also plays a role in balancing rumen pH, preventing acidosis and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota. Growing global demand for beef and dairy products, coupled with farmers’ efforts to improve the health of their animals and the quality of their products, are driving the growth of the dietary fibre market in this segment.
Pig farming is another important segment where dietary fibre is gaining attention. In pigs, fibre plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health, improving digestion, and promoting overall well-being. Fibre in pig diets helps to increase digestive transit time, promote satiety, reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders that can affect growth rates and feed conversion efficiency, and reduce the risk of obesity. The pork segment of the animal feed dietary fibre market is also expected to expand in the coming years as the demand for pork meat increases, especially in Asia and Latin America. Furthermore, the trend to produce leaner, healthier meat in response to consumer preferences for better quality animal products is likely to encourage the inclusion of fibres in pig rations.
Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sectors in animal farming due to the increasing demand for fish and seafood. The use of dietary fibre in aquaculture is slightly different from that of terrestrial animals and this segment is a rapidly growing market for dietary fibre due to the need to reduce dependence on fishmeal.
Fibre in aquaculture feeds helps maintain gut health, regulate digestion, improve water quality by reducing nitrogen waste produced by fish, and control the energy density of feed, reducing the risk of obesity. As demand for farmed seafood continues to grow, particularly in Asia and Europe, the aquaculture industry’s demand for fibre-rich animal feeds is expected to grow. With the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental impact in aquaculture, fibre-rich feed alternatives derived from marine sources are gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly option.
The pet food industry is another important market for animal feed dietary fibres. In pet foods, especially cat and dog foods, fibres are used to aid digestion, improve stool quality and help with weight management. Pet owners are increasingly opting for high-fibre diets to manage obesity in pets and ensure digestive health. As the pet industry continues to grow, the demand for natural and functional foods and the use of dietary fibre in pet foods is expected to increase.
MARKET DYNAMICS ON A REGIONAL BASIS
The global animal feed dietary fibre market is influenced by various regional factors such as economic conditions, agricultural practices, consumer preferences, and legislative regulations. Different regions exhibit different levels of demand and growth potential for dietary fibre in animal feed due to the unique requirements of local livestock industries, evolving consumer demands for healthier animal products, and advancements in agricultural practices.
The Americas, especially North America, holds a significant share in the global animal feed dietary fibre market. The region’s developed livestock industry, high awareness about animal nutrition, growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free and sustainably produced animal products are driving the demand for dietary fibre. The United States and Canada are major contributors with a strong focus on improving animal health and productivity.
The market in Latin America is also growing owing to increasing livestock production and adoption of modern farming practices. Demand for dietary fibre in animal feed is increasing, especially in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth in the animal feed dietary fibre market. The demand for animal proteins coupled with increasing awareness about animal health and nutrition are the major factors fuelling the growth of the market. Presence of a large livestock population in the region and shift towards organised farming practices are further driving the demand for dietary fibres in animal feeds. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are major contributors to this growth, especially with the expanding aquaculture.
Europe is another important market for dietary fibre in animal feed. The region’s strict regulations on animal nutrition, animal welfare and environmental protection encourage the adoption of high-quality feed ingredients, including dietary fibres. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are key players in the market. The focus on sustainable and natural feed ingredients is in line with the growing consumer preference for high-quality animal products, further strengthening the market.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region presents both challenges and opportunities for the animal feed dietary fibre market. Although agricultural practices are less developed in some parts of the region compared to other regions, the growing demand for animal products, coupled with an increasing focus on food safety and sustainability issues, is driving interest in fibre-enriched animal feeds.
In the Middle East, countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran are the major consumers of animal feed. As the region focuses on improving livestock production to reduce dependency on imports, demand for fibre-enriched feeds is expected to increase, especially for poultry and ruminants.
In Africa, the demand for animal feed is growing rapidly due to increased livestock production, especially in countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. Although the use of dietary fibre is still evolving in this region, the growth of commercial farming and the focus on improving animal health and productivity are expected to encourage the adoption of fibre-enriched feeds.
References
1. Dietary fiber in poultry nutrition and their effects on nutrient utilization, performance, gut health, and on the environment: a review | Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology
2. Managing fiber better in feed formulation – essential for sustainable livestock production I dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health
3. Journal of Istanbul Veterinary Sciences I Dietary fiber and animal health: A mini review I DergiPark Akademik
4. Animal Feed Dietary Fibers Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2034 I Market Research Future
5. Animal Feed Dietary Fiber Market Size, Share and Trends Report I Introspective Market Research
6. Animal Feed Dietary Fiber Market Size & Forecast to 2028 I Research and Markets
7. Animal Feed Dietary Fiber Market Size 2023, Forecast By 2032 I Reports and Data
8. Animal Feed Dietary Fiber Market Size, Trends and Projections I Market Research Intellect
