Feed prebiotics support the growth and multiplication of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and digestive tract, improving feed digestibility, supporting the overall health of animals, strengthening immunity and improving production performance. These properties make them a widely preferred feed additive and increase its market value. According to research firms, increasing consumer demand for animal proteins, expectations for animal health and welfare, and restriction in the use of antibiotics are the main factors supporting the growth of the global feed prebiotics market. Although there are different estimates of the market size, the general consensus is that the market will grow steadily and reach a size of approximately USD 5.1 billion by 2030.
By Derya YILDIZ
Feed prebiotics are defined as indigestible functional substances, also known as indigestible fibers, that selectively support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. These fibers promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and provide resistance to disease-causing pathogenic bacteria. Thanks to these properties, they stand out as an important alternative to antibiotics. They also contribute to the overall health and performance of the animal by increasing the digestibility and efficiency of feed due to their positive effects on the intestinal and digestive system.
Prebiotics are generally classified as into lactulose, mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), soy fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), xylo oligosaccharides and inulin. The most widely used prebiotic in animal feed is inulin, which is a prebiotic fiber found in chicory root and artichokes. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the market value of inulin reached US$ 644.9 million in 2022. The most common use of inulin is in poultry nutrition. Supplementing poultry feed with inulin has been found to modulate gut microbiota and promote rapid growth of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
Xylo oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides are other important prebiotics used in the animal industry and have market values of USD 580 million and USD 566.4 million in 2022, respectively, according to a Mordor Intelligence report. These prebiotics have been found to improve nutrient digestibility and immune responses, which in turn improves production performance. Lactulose, fructo oligosaccharides, mannan oligosaccharides and other prebiotics hold a share of USD 790.8 million in the prebiotics market.
FEED PREBIOTICS MARKET AND FORECASTS
The global feed prebiotics market, which is witnessing significant growth, reached a value of USD 2.58 billion in 2022, registering a noteworthy growth of 29.5% during 2017-2022, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. The market growth is attributed to the increase in animal population and growing sensitivities regarding animal health. The research firm forecasts that the growth will continue in the coming period and estimates the market size to be approximately USD 2.84 billion in 2024. Reporting that the global feed prebiotics market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.13% between 2024 and 2029, the firm expects the market size to reach USD 3.65 billion by 2029.
Prophecy Market Insights’ report points to a similar market size. According to the research firm, the global feed prebiotics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2024 and 2034, with market revenue reaching USD 4.7 billion by 2034, up from USD 2.87 billion in 2024.
Another close estimate of the market size comes from analysts at Global Market Insights. The company’s report reveals the size of the global feed prebiotics market as USD 2.14 billion in 2022. The company forecasts an annual growth rate of 7.9% for the coming period and estimates that the total market value will reach USD 4.56 billion in 2032.
SkyQuest, on the other hand, points to a very high market value in its report on global feed prebiotics. The company estimates the market size at USD 7.99 billion for 2023, and predicts that the market will grow at a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period 2024-2031, reaching USD 24.26 billion by the end of 2031.
All the reports we have evaluated reveal that the global feed prebiotics market is showing positive signs of growth. With a current market size of billions of dollars and a steady CAGR, the market is expected to continue growing in the future, reaching an average size of approximately USD 5.1 billion by 2030. This situation represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders in the feed prebiotics market.
FACTORS SUPPORTING MARKET GROWTH
There are several main factors supporting the growth of the global feed prebiotics market, with the first one being the growing interest in animal proteins. According to experts, with the increase in world population, the demand for milk, meat, and eggs is also increasing. This has led to increased livestock farming and farmers focusing on maximum productivity and welfare of their animals. However, the fact that prebiotics help reduce stress and weakened gut health that can result from high-intensity production practices makes them an important choice among farmers.
Growing awareness and demand for animal health and welfare is another factor supporting the market. Prebiotics can help improve animal health by maintaining a good gut microbiota and reducing the use of antibiotics, thus easing major consumer concerns about animal welfare. Governments are also setting increasingly high standards for animal welfare that can be achieved with prebiotics, thereby helping farmers to meet such rules.
Restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animal feed may be the most important factor supporting the growth of the feed prebiotics market. The overuse of antibiotics in animal nutrition has become a major threat to public health by causing antibiotic resistance. Many countries are implementing threshold regulations in this regard, which is increasing the demand for feed additives, such as prebiotics, that improve animal health and do not promote antibiotic resistance at the same time.
Some feed prebiotics suppliers in the world:
Abbott Laboratories
Adisseo
ADM
Alltech
Amspro Biotech
Baolingbao
BASF SE
Beghin Meiji (Tereos S.A.)
Behn Meyer
BENEO GmbH
Biochem
Bright Group
Calpis Co.
Cargill
Cosucra Groupe Warcoing
Danisco (IFF)
Dsm-firmenich
Evonik Industries
EW Nutrition
FrieslandCampina
H. Wilhelm Schaumann
Hayashiabara
Impextraco
Ingredion
Jarrow Formulas
Kemin Industries
Kerry Group
Kraft Foods Group
Lallemand
Land O’Lakes
Life Products
Longlive
Meiji
Mitsui & Co.
Nestle
Nexira SAS
NFBC
Nikon Shikuhin KaKo
Novensis
Novus International
Ohly
Orffa International
Parmalat
Phileo by Lesaffre
Provita Animal Health
Pure Cultures
QHT
Roquette Frères
Royal Cosun
Saideep Exports
Sensus
SKS Bioproducts
Tate & Lyle
Unique Biotech
Vetanco
Yakult Honsha
Zenith Nutritions
FACTORS LIMITING MARKET GROWTH
Analysts point to increasing market dependence on probiotics and stricter regulatory controls as the restraining factor for the growth of the feed prebiotics market. These are some of the factors that could slow down the growth of the market by 2030.
MARKET SITUATION BY ANIMAL TYPE
Prebiotics are most widely used in poultry production. Increasing investments in the poultry sector and high demand for poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs are increasing poultry populations globally. The shift towards poultry products is attributed to the African Swine Fever outbreak and rising prices of other meats such as pork. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, China, which accounts for 40% of global poultry production today, has more than 900 million laying hens and its largest laying poultry breeding center can raise 60 million chicks per year.
The poultry industry in the Middle East region is also expected to witness significant growth over the period of 2023-2029. Some companies in Saudi Arabia are investing over USD 1 billion to establish new farms.
As a result of growing demand for poultry products and increasing investments in the sector, there is expected to be a significant increase in poultry feed production. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for feed additives and feed prebiotics in the global market over the forecast period.
Another important area for prebiotics is aquafeeds. Due to the expansion of aquaculture on a global scale, the demand for feed is increasing rapidly, leading to increased production of compound feed. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, compound feed production increased by 13.1% in 2022 compared to the previous year, while fish feed production increased by 46.3% between 2017 and 2022. This increase in feed production for aquatic species is expected to support the growth of the aquaculture segment in the feed prebiotics market in the coming period.
According to some analysts, the ruminant feeds segment will show the fastest growth in the feed prebiotics market in the coming years. This dominance is expected to be driven by increasing demand for dairy products in developing countries and prebiotics providing better nutrient absorption, thereby reducing the cost of feed which helps farmers make profit.
MARKET GROWTH ON REGIONAL BASIS
The market for prebiotics used in animal feed is large and many companies around the world produce animal feed containing prebiotics. In previous years, Europe had the largest share of the global feed prebiotics market. The ban on antibiotics in animal feed is said to be an important factor in this development. In the region, demand for the use of prebiotics in animal feed is still high due to high awareness of animal welfare and health, despite strict regulations that have slowed down the growth of the sector. In Europe, many people see prebiotics as a good alternative to antibiotics when it comes to improving animal health.
Asia-Pacific draws attention as the fastest growing market for feed prebiotics due to its high animal presence and feed production.
North America, especially the United States, has an active industry with high demand for animal feed containing prebiotics for pigs and chickens. The prevalence of commercial animal farming in the region and interest in new production practices make it a good market for feed prebiotics.
MARKET ENVIRONMENT FOR SUPPLIERS
The feed prebiotics market is relatively fragmented. The market is characterized by rapid growth, technological innovation and intense competition. Control of the market is largely in the hands of a few large players. These industry leaders are diversifying their customer base, expanding their global presence, focusing on sustainability, broadening their service offerings to remain competitive, and forming strategic and collaborative ventures with other start-ups to increase their market share and profitability.
Sources:
1. Feed Prebiotics Market Size & Share Analysis – Industry Research Report – Growth Trends (mordorintelligence.com)
2. Feed Prebiotics Market Share Estimated to Reach USD 4.7 (globenewswire.com)
3. Feed Prebiotics Market Growth, Size & Share Analysis | 2031 (skyquestt.com)
4. Prebiotics In Animal Feed Market Size, Growth & Trend 2032 (credenceresearch.com)
