Animal Health is of utmost significance for coexistence of human and animal ecosystem, the fact being evident from “One Health concept” being widely accepted and practiced across geographies. Lot of work and new initiatives are undertaken at various levels to ensure food security for increasing world population i.e., adequate levels of safe and sustainably produced proteins. Animal health markets hold a promising opportunity globally, however recent developments have led to the changing needs and expectations, if addressed can help the producers meet the feeding demands of world sustainably.
Veterinarian
AGM – Natural Remedies Private Limited
Global animal health is classified on the basis of animal type, into two major segments i.e., livestock (poultry, swine, cattle, fish) and companion animals (dogs, cats, horses) with a market share of 48% and 52% respectively. India animal health market is divided into four segments basis species, which include livestock (ruminants), poultry, companion (dogs and cats) and aqua representing 52%, 39%, 7% and 2% market share, respectively. Global challenges like outbreaks especially ASF in swine, FMD and Brucellosis in ruminants, Avian Flu in poultry has made it tough for these markets to maintain growth over last couple of years, on the contrary companion animal segment has been resilient and growing at over 7% CAGR annually, with a few countries growing at double digit, including India.
GLOBAL ANIMAL HEALTH TRENDS
• “Artificial Intelligence” has caused disruption in each sphere and animal health sector is not an exclusion too, e.g., use of AI /smart farming like technology enabled collars/sensors among livestock for monitoring critical data like movements, sitting vs standing time, etc. for optimizing production and performance.
• Technological advancement integration of AI based and IOT sensors is helping to take informed advanced decisions leading to reduced disease incidences among animals.
• Precision nutrition is gaining grounds where optimum nutrients are supplied as per the specific needs of the animal for improved production and minimal impact on the environment.
• Production animals are expected to reach their best genetic potential, which can be achieved by improved nutritional efficiency, that in turn leads to increased productivity and sustained production.
• Beef on dairy as a concept is gaining acceptance, as it can provide higher quality beef products without impacting current milk efficiencies, and greater feed efficiencies leading to reduced carbon emissions.
• Safe and Healthy produce is what the customers ask today. This responsible shift i.e., being conscious of the impact of our actions towards the planet has led to increased acceptance and usage of phytogenic feed additives vs traditional use of ABG’s or synthetic derivatives.
• Awareness of pet parents on balanced nutrition, importance of healthy and clean ingredients and sustainable sourcing are key trends shaping the companion animal space.
EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF ANIMAL HEALTH SEGMENTS GLOBALLY
Livestock: Environmental restriction and low carbon footprint objectives set by various government agencies have left the owner with no option but to produce best quality produce with minimal emissions, which is attainable by increasing per animal productivity, rather than increasing head counts to meet feeding needs of the world.
• 20% of global livestock production is lost to diseases each year (HFA ref.).
• Ban on use of ABG’s across the globe has shifted the practices to prevention rather than treatment which is highly evident by a decline in global antibiotic sales and increase in vaccine numbers.
Way forward:
• Scaling up existing practices in animal health and husbandry without increasing emission, to meet the feeding demands of the world population.
• Use of feed additives and phytogenic ingredients is one of the promising sectors that will support sustainable production in coming years as this not only increases productivity per animal but also reduces emission by mitigating harmful effects on the environment.
Companion Animals: Need for companionship and human animal bond is getting stronger and stronger as Zoomers are taking pet parenting as an informed decision today.
Way Forward:
• Right nutritional information on packs, clean and green labelling practices
• Sourcing ingredients from sustainable sources in pet food
• Vaccination and preventive health care option.
Animal health market offers a long-term opportunity that can be capitalized by helping animal producers with right information on balanced feeding/nutrition, ways to improve nutrient digestibility and optimum health by using phytogenic/feed additives. The success lies not only in increasing per animal productivity but also enhancing productivity across the entire production chain to produce suitable and sustainable produce for feeding our ever-increasing world population. Alongside the need of Zoomers to provide best alternatives to optimize health and longevity of their beloved pets is an excellent avenue for us.
About Ritesh Sood
Dr. Ritesh Sood, is a techno-commercial veterinarian with over 17+ years in animal health space. His learnings include technical and commercial management of across species, geographies. He has a keen interest in small animal nutrition and is passionate about pets.
