MARKET REPORT 62 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2025 Understanding Feed Proteins in Animal Nutrition Animal feed proteins are essential feed ingredients for improving growth performance, supporting the immune system, and ensuring efficient production in animals. The global animal feed proteins market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing population and demand for animal protein, sustainability concerns, and a shift toward alternative sources. The market size, which stood at approximately 247 billion US dollars in 2024, is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 6.2% by 2034. This growth is primarily driven by the rise of plant-based, single-cell, and insectbased proteins. By Derya Gulsoy Yildiz Feed proteins are essential nutrients included in animal rations to support growth, health, and productivity. Plants (e.g., soybean meal, canola) and animal by-products (e.g., fish meal, meat and bone meal) are commonly used protein sources today. However, alternative protein sources such as insects, algae, or microbial proteins have gained popularity in recent years, particularly due to sustainability concerns. All these protein ingredients provide the essential amino acids required for the vital biological functions of livestock, poultry, and aquatic species. There are many reasons for adding protein to animal feed. The primary reason, as mentioned above, is to provide amino acids, which are the building blocks of body tissues such as muscles, organs, and enzymes. Certain amino acids play a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system and help animals build resistance to diseases. Additionally, sufficient protein intake increases weight gain, milk yield, egg Photo: Freepik
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