Feed probiotics are a valuable addition to animal nutrition and offer many benefits that improve animal health, growth and overall productivity, while also helping to combat antibiotic resistance and contribute to methane reduction, leading to more sustainable livestock farming practices. A better understanding of such benefits of probiotics is driving the growth of the feed probiotics market. According to research companies whose data support this, by 2024, the feed probiotics market will reach a size of approximately USD 3.81 billion and will continue to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% until 2030.
By Derya Yildiz
Feed probiotics are live microorganisms added to animal feed to improve gut health and general welfare. These microorganisms include species such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract, known as the gut microbiome. There are many reasons for the use of probiotics in animal feed. The most important of these is to improve gut health, which significantly affects the overall health and performance of animals. Probiotics are known to help the beneficial bacteria colonize the gut and prevent the overgrowth of harmful pathogens. A healthy gut microbiome, in turn, improves feed efficiency by helping nutrients to be efficiently absorbed from feed. This translates into better growth rates, higher performance and lower feed costs. Field probiotics also help prevent and treat diarrhea, a common health problem in livestock, and stimulate the immune response, making animals more resilient to disease. With all these qualities, probiotics can be used as an alternative to antibiotics and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
In conclusion, feed probiotics are a valuable addition to animal nutrition and offer many benefits that improve animal health, growth and overall productivity, while contributing to more sustainable animal farming practices.
FEED PROBIOTICS MARKET AND FORECASTS
The global feed probiotics market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing awareness about the benefits of probiotics for animal health and productivity. Market research firm Mordor Intelligence estimates that the market size will be USD 3.01 billion in 2024. Forecasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.09% for the forecast period 2024-2029, the company expects the total market size to reach USD 3.85 billion in 2029. The report published by Research and Markets, which is based on the 2024-2029 period (with the exception of the 5.05% CAGR forecast), also supports Mordor Intelligence’s data.
On the other hand, Cognitive Market Research points to higher data on the current market size and growth prospects in its recently updated report. According to the company’s report, the market size will reach USD 4.98 billion by the end of 2024 and will continue to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% until 2031. This implies a market size of more than USD 9 billion.
Maximize Market Research, which estimates a market size of approximately USD 4.21 billion for 2023, also supports this strong growth outlook, forecasting that the market will grow at a CAGR of 8.5% until 2030, reaching USD 7.45 billion.
The report prepared by Fact.MR indicates that the global feed probiotics market will have a size of USD 3.51 billion by the end of 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% between 2024 and 2034 and reaching USD 6.65 billion by the end of 2034.
As the reports suggest, the global feed probiotics market is poised for significant growth. Based on the data from research companies, it is possible to estimate that the average market size will be USD 3.81 billion in 2024, the market will grow at a CAGR of approximately 6.9% during the period 2024-2030, and the total market size will exceed USD 5.7 billion in 2030.
FACTORS SUPPORTING MARKET GROWTH
The global feed probiotics market is experiencing strong growth due to a combination of many factors. The major factors supporting the growth of the market include:
– Increasing Demand for Animal Protein
World population increases and rising incomes are leading to a growing demand for animal proteins such as meat, milk and eggs. This has led to a larger livestock industry and requires effective and sustainable solutions to maintain animal health and productivity. The ability of probiotics to improve the balance of the gut microbiota, thereby increasing feed efficiency and production performance, makes it a natural and beneficial supplement to meet the growing need for protein.
– Rising Consumer Awareness of Food Safety
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of food safety concerns associated with the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production, including potential risks such as antibiotic resistance. Probiotic additives can provide a viable alternative to antibiotics, helping to both protect animal health, reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases and improve the overall safety of animal-sourced products.
– Increasing Focus on Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is becoming increasingly important as consumers and regulators demand the ethical and humane treatment of livestock.
Probiotic additives can contribute to improved animal welfare by supporting gut health, reducing stress and improving overall welfare.
– Advancements in Probiotic Technology
Ongoing research and development in probiotic technology is leading to the development of more effective and efficient probiotic strains and formulations. These developments are expanding the application of probiotics in animal feed, driving market growth.
– Favorable Regulatory Environment
Many governments are introducing regulations that support the use of probiotics in animal feed as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics. These favorable regulatory legislations are creating a favorable environment for the growth of the feed probiotic additives market.
– Growing Interest in Natural and Organic Products
Consumers increasingly prefer natural and organic products, including animal-based foods. Probiotic additives as natural ingredients are in line with this trend and are gaining popularity among consumers. They are also perceived as safer and more environmentally friendly, leading to easier adoption of their usage in animal feed.
– Increasing Adoption of Precision Livestock Practices
Precision livestock farming applications involving the use of technology to monitor and manage livestock are becoming increasingly common. Probiotic additives can be integrated into these systems to provide targeted and personalized nutritional solutions for animals.
As a result, the global feed probiotic additives market is poised for significant growth owing to increasing demand for animal protein, shift towards natural feed additives, concerns over antibiotic resistance, and numerous health benefits of probiotics. Technological advancements and regulatory legislations are further supporting this growth, making probiotics a crucial component in modern animal nutrition.
FACTORS LIMITING MARKET GROWTH
While the global feed probiotics market is experiencing significant growth, analysts think that certain factors could restrain this expansion. Here are the major challenges and limitations that may be faced:
– High Costs
One of the main constraints is the high cost associated with probiotic products. The production of high-quality probiotics involves advanced technologies and strict quality control measures that can increase costs. This makes probiotics more expensive compared to traditional feed additives, potentially limiting their adoption, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
– Lack of Standardization
The lack of standardized regulations and guidelines for the production and use of feed probiotics can create challenges in terms of quality control, efficacy and consumer confidence.
– Shelf-Life Limitations
Probiotics are living microorganisms and their viability can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity and storage conditions. Factors such as excessive heat, humidity and improper storage can affect the viability of probiotics and reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, ensuring the stability and shelf life of probiotic products throughout the supply chain is a significant challenge that also increases costs.
– Limited Awareness
While consumer awareness of the benefits of probiotics for human health is increasing, there is still limited awareness and understanding of the benefits and proper use of probiotics among animal farmers. This lack of knowledge may lead to under- or misuse of probiotic products, hindering market growth.
– Regulatory Hurdles
In some countries, obtaining regulatory approval for the use of new probiotic strains or formulations can be a time-consuming and expensive process. This can hinder different market entries and limit the availability of innovative products.
– Competition from Alternative Products
While probiotics offer a promising alternative to antibiotics, they may face competition from other antibiotic substitutes such as organic acids and essential oils. Similarly, there is competition from other feed additives such as prebiotics and enzymes that offer benefits for animal health and performance. Such alternatives may be lower in cost or perceived as more familiar by producers, which may limit the market share of probiotics.
– Concerns about Efficacy
The efficacy of probiotics can vary depending on factors such as the strain used, dosage and the specific conditions of the livestock environment. This variability may lead to inconsistent results and some animal breeders may be hesitant to adopt probiotics as a reliable feed additive.
According to analysts, addressing all these challenges will be crucial for the continued growth and sustainability of the global feed probiotics market. Industry stakeholders can help overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of probiotics in animal nutrition by investing in research and development, promoting standardization and increasing consumer awareness.
Some Suppliers in the Global Feed Probiotics Market:
Abbott Laboratories
Adisseo
ADM
Alltech
Amspro Biotech
Baolingbao
BASF SE
Beghin Meiji (Tereos S.A.)
Behn Meyer
BENEO GmbH
Biochem
BioResource International
Bio-Vet Inc.
Calpis Co.
Cargill
Danisco (IFF)
Dsm-firmenich
Evonik Industries
EW Nutrition
H. Wilhelm Schaumann
Impextraco
Jarrow Formulas
Kemin Industries
Kerry Group
Lallemand
Land O’Lakes
Life Products
Longlive
MIAVIT Stefan Niemeyer
Mitsui & Co.
Nestle
Novonesis
Novus International.
Nutreco (Selko)
Ohly
Orffa International
Phileo by Lesaffre
Provita Animal Health
Pure Cultures
Saideep Exports
Unique Biotech
MARKET SITUATION BY ANIMAL SPECIES
In the global feed probiotics market, which is witnessing significant growth, specific applications of feed probiotics and market dynamics vary across different animal species. For instance, poultry is one of the largest consumers of feed probiotics. The use of probiotics in poultry feed is primarily due to their ability to improve gut health, increase feed efficiency, and reduce the incidence of diseases such as necrotic enteritis and coccidiosis. The growing demand for poultry meat and eggs and the need to reduce the use of antibiotics is driving the adoption of probiotics in this segment.
Ruminants, including cattle, sheep and goats, benefit significantly from the addition of probiotics into their diets. Probiotics can help improve rumen function, increase nutrient digestion and absorption and reduce methane emissions in ruminants. This can lead to better feed efficiency, increased milk production and improved meat quality. The growing demand for dairy products and beef is a major driving force for the use of probiotics in the ruminant sector.
Probiotics are widely used in pig diets to improve gut health, increase nutrient absorption and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Probiotics can also help improve growth rates and feed efficiency in pigs. The shift to antibiotic-free pork production is another factor encouraging the use of probiotics in this segment.
The use of probiotics in aquafeeds is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in aquaculture systems where disease pressure is increasing due to high stocking density. Probiotics help improve water quality, increase feed efficiency and strengthen the immune system of aquatic species. They are used in the farming of fish, shrimp and other aquatic organisms to reduce the incidence of disease and increase overall productivity. The growing demand for seafood and the need for sustainable aquaculture practices are driving the adoption of probiotics in this segment.
To summarize, the use of probiotics varies across different animal species due to factors such as physiological differences, nutritional requirements and disease challenges. While the poultry and swine sectors are relatively mature markets for feed probiotics, the demand for probiotics in ruminant and aquafeeds is also growing rapidly.
MARKET GROWTH ON REGIONAL BASIS
Global feed probiotics market dynamics and growth rates vary across different regions. The Americas, especially North America, has been the largest contributor to the global feed probiotics market. The U.S. and Canada are the leading countries contributing to the market owing to their advanced livestock production systems and high awareness of the benefits of probiotics. Moreover, the region is also witnessing significant investments in research and development leading to the launch of innovative probiotic products.
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the feed probiotics market, driven by factors such as increasing population, rising incomes, and growing livestock industries. China, India and Southeast Asian countries are emerging as key markets for feed probiotics. The region’s large livestock population and increasing consumer awareness on food safety are driving the demand for natural and sustainable feed additives.
Europe has a developed feed probiotics market with established players and a strong regulatory system. The region’s focus on sustainable and ethical livestock production has contributed to the growth of the feed probiotics market. Notably, the European Union’s ban on antibiotic growth promoters has led to increased adoption of probiotics as an alternative in the region. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are among the major users of feed probiotics.
The Middle East and Africa regions are relatively smaller markets for feed probiotics compared to the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. These regions face challenges such as limited awareness and high probiotic costs, but have promising potential for growth thanks to expanding livestock sectors. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa are experiencing growth in the feed probiotics market.
COMPETITION IN THE FEED PROBIOTICS MARKET
Growth in the global feed probiotics market has created opportunities for feed probiotics suppliers, but has also intensified competition in the industry. Today, the feed probiotics market is characterized by a mix of large multinational companies and smaller, regional players. The major players in the market have a strong global presence, extensive research and development capabilities and a wide range of probiotic products. They typically compete on factors such as product quality, innovation, pricing and distribution networks. While smaller regional players face challenges from larger competitors, they are able to differentiate themselves by focusing on niche markets, offering customized solutions and building strong relationships with local customers.
Analysts point out that to succeed in the competitive feed probiotics market, suppliers need to adopt effective strategies such as:
-Research and development: Invest in research and development to develop new and innovative probiotic products,
– Product differentiation: Focus on developing unique probiotic strains or formulations that meet specific animal health needs,
– Strong distribution networks: Building strong partnerships with distributors and retailers to ensure broad market access,
– Marketing and education: Investing in marketing and education to raise awareness of the benefits of feed probiotics,
– Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with other industry players such as feed producers and livestock farmers to expand market access and share resources.
References
1. Use of probiotics in animal feeds and market dynamics – Feed & Additive Magazine (feedandadditive.com)
2. The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition | The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology | Full Text (springeropen.com)
3. Probiotics in Animal Nutrition (fao.org)
4. Global Feed Probiotics Market – Feed & Additive Magazine (feedandadditive.com)
5. Feed Probiotics Market Size & Share Analysis – Industry Research Report – Growth Trends (mordorintelligence.com)
6. Feed Probiotics – Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2017 – 2029 (researchandmarkets.com)
7. Probiotics Animal Feed Market- Global Analysis and Forecast (maximizemarketresearch.com)
8. Animal Feed Probiotics Market Share and Statistics – 2034 (factmr.com)
9. Global Feed Probiotics market size is USD 4985.2 million in 2024. (cognitivemarketresearch.com)
