MARKET REPORT FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2025 101 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
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