Organic acids play a crucial role in modern animal nutrition, offering a natural and effective way to maintain feed quality, improve gut health, enhance performance and reduce dependence on antibiotics. These properties favour the market growth of organic acids used in animal nutrition. Based on the data shared by analysts, it is possible to predict that the animal nutrition organic acids market size, which was USD 1.9 billion in 2024, will grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the period 2024-2034 and reach USD 3.2 billion in 2034.
By Derya Yildiz
Organic acids are defined as carbon-containing compounds with acidic properties. Common organic acids used in animal nutrition include short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and other organic acids such as sorbic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid and benzoic acid. These acids play important roles in the preservation of feed and the support of animal health.
The main reason for the inclusion of organic acids in animal feeds is their antimicrobial, digestive and performance enhancing properties. If we consider this in more detail; organic acids act as antimicrobial agents. Thus, they inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi and help prevent microbial contamination and spoilage. As a result, they increase the shelf life and quality of feed. This antimicrobial effect also applies to the gastrointestinal tract. Organic acids help maintain an optimal gut pH that supports enzyme activity and digestion, suppress harmful pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli, promote beneficial gut microbiota (e.g. Lactobacillus) and improve gut barrier function.
All these positive effects, which support gut integrity and immune function, contribute to improved growth rates in animals. Some organic acids even improve the palatability of feed, leading to increased voluntary feed consumption. By optimising digestive conditions, organic acids improve protein digestibility and nutrient intake, contributing to better feed conversion rates (FCR) and overall animal performance.
Organic acids also provide important advantages in terms of antibiotic use and environmental issues, which are among the most important problems of today. Serving as effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, organic acids contribute to the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus excretion and environmental pollution by improving nutrient utilisation.
In conclusion, organic acids play a crucial role in modern animal nutrition, offering a natural and effective way to maintain feed quality, improve gut health, enhance performance and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Their versatile benefits make them valuable additives in the quest for sustainable and efficient animal production.
Some important organic acids suppliers
• ABF Ingredients
• Addcon
• Adisseo
• Adiveter
• ADM
• Agrifirm (Agrimprove)
• Alltech
• Amlan International
• Anitox
• Anpario
• BASF Nutrition
• Benson Polymeric
• Bentoli
• Bio-Agro Tech (ABTL)
• BioAmber
• Bioergex
• Borregaard
• Cargill
• Celanese Corporation
• Corbion
• Croda International
• Dow Inv
• Dr. Eckel
• Dsm-firmenich
• DuPont
• Eastman Chemical
• Elekeiroz
• Evonik Industries
• EW Nutrition
• Feichang Acid Chemicals
• FMC Corporation
• Fufeng Group
• Fuso Chemical
• Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology
• IFF (Danisco)
• Impextraco
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse
• Kemin Industries
• Kemira
• Kraton Corporation
• Lallemand
• Nature Works
• Naturex
• Noack Group
• Norel Animal Nutrition
• Novonesis
• Novus International
• Perstorp
• Phibro Animal Health
• Polynt-Reichhold
• Provimi Holding
• Quimidroga
• Selko (Nutreco)
• Showa Kako Corporation
• Taminco
• Tate & Lyle
• Zagro
MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS
The global animal nutrition organic acids market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing awareness about feed safety and animal health, rising demand for high-quality animal protein, and limiting the use of antibiotics in animal feed. Many recent market reports support this growth.
For instance; according to a report by Global Market Statistics, the global animal nutrition organic acids market size was USD 1.5 billion in 2024. Forecasting that the market will exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.33% during the forecast period 2024-2033, the company expects the total market size to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2033.
Valuates Reports , which assesses the global market size at USD 2.2 billion in 2024, predicts that the market will grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2025-2031 and reach a size of USD 3.1 billion by 2031.
Verified Market Reports estimates the animal nutrition organic acids market size to be USD 1.5 billion in 2024. According to the company, the market will grow at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2026 and 2033, reaching USD 2.9 billion by 2033.
Estimating the market size of organic acids used in animal nutrition at USD 2.03 billion for 2024, Market Research Future predicts that the market will exhibit a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period 2025-2034 and reach a size of USD 2.74 billion by 2034.
Global Info Research, on the other hand, expects the global animal nutrition organic acids market size to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.
The steady growth in these reports underlines the increasing role of organic acids in animal nutrition. It is important to note that differences in market size estimates in various reports may be due to variances in market segmentation, data collection methods and scope of analysis. However, based on the average of these 5 reports, it is possible to predict that the market size, which was USD 1.9 billion in 2024, will grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the 2024-2034 period and reach USD 3.2 billion in 2034.
FACTORS SUPPORTING MARKET GROWTH
The global market for organic acids in animal nutrition is experiencing significant growth due to several key drivers:
1. Increasing Demand for High-Quality Animal Products
Consumer preferences are shifting towards safe, high-quality meat, milk and egg products. Increasing global population and growing middle class income levels are leading to a growing demand for protein-rich diets, fuelling the need for improved animal nutrition solutions such as organic acids.
2. Regulations on Antibiotic Use
Governments and regulatory agencies worldwide have imposed strict restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in animal feed due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Consumers are also increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with antibiotic residues in animal products. They are therefore demanding safer, more natural alternatives. At this point, organic acids have emerged as an effective natural alternative that offer antimicrobial and gut health benefits without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
3. Increased Awareness of Gut Health and Feed Efficiency
Advances in animal nutrition research are increasingly emphasising the importance of gut health. Organic acids improve digestive efficiency by reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial microbiota in the gut. Improved feed conversion ratios (FCR) help producers maximise efficiency, reduce feed costs and improve overall animal performance, making organic acids a worthwhile investment.
4. Expansion of the Livestock Sector
The global livestock industry is expanding to meet the growing demand for animal food products. Due to the intensifying poultry, pig and ruminant farming, the need for effective feed additives such as organic acids to increase productivity, prevent diseases and improve growth rates is growing.
5. Feed Safety and Protection Needs
The ability of organic acids to prevent feed spoilage and contamination contributes to their increased use in animal feed sectors.
6. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
Organic acids contribute to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion in animal waste, minimising environmental pollution. In addition, their role in reducing methane emissions in ruminants is in line with global sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming.
7. Advances in Feed Technology and Research
Continuous R&D efforts in feed additives and animal nutrition sector are leading to innovations in organic acid formulations. Encapsulated and blended organic acids offer improved stability, targeted delivery, and enhanced efficiency, further increasing their adoption in feed applications.
FACTORS RESTRAINING MARKET GROWTH
Despite the numerous advantages and growing demand for organic acids in animal nutrition, some challenges may prevent market expansion:
1. High Production Costs
The production of organic acids involves complex chemical processes that require high-quality raw materials. Fluctuations in the price of raw materials such as corn and sugar used in fermentation-based organic acid production can increase costs. This would make organic acids not affordable enough for small and medium-scale livestock farmers and limit their widespread adoption.
2. Variability of Efficacy
The effectiveness of organic acids may vary depending on factors such as animal species, ration composition and environmental conditions. Organic acids work well in monogastric animals such as poultry and pigs, but may be less effective in ruminants. These different levels of efficacy limit the application of organic acids in all livestock segments.
3. Regulatory Obstacles
Although the ban on antibiotic growth promoters has fuelled interest in organic acids, different legislation in different countries poses a challenge. Regulatory approvals, compliance with safety standards and restrictions on certain organic acids in animal feed may slow market expansion.
4. Competitive Alternatives
The widespread use of alternative feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils and enzymes is a constraint to the growth of the organic acids market. These alternatives offer similar or even superior benefits in certain applications, shifting market demand away from organic acids.
5. Problems with Storage and Processing
Some organic acids, such as formic acid and propionic acid, are highly corrosive and require special handling and storage conditions. The need for appropriate storage infrastructure and security measures increases operational costs for feed producers and animal producers, making the adoption of these products difficult.
6. Market Awareness and Adoption Rates
In developing regions, many farmers and feed manufacturers have limited awareness of the benefits of organic acids. Dependence on cheaper alternatives such as conventional feeding practices, antibiotics and synthetic feed additives hinders the widespread adoption of organic acids, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
ORGANIC ACIDS MARKET BY ANIMAL SPECIES
The use of organic acids in animal nutrition varies among different species depending on their digestive physiology, nutritional needs and health problems.
Poultry farming, including broilers and layers, represents the most important segment of the organic acids market for animal nutrition. Organic acids are widely used in poultry diets to increase feed efficiency, improve gut health, control pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. They also help to reduce ammonia emissions, contributing to better environmental conditions on poultry farms. Increasing demand for poultry meat, strict regulations regarding the use of antibiotics, and the need for efficient production are supporting the market growth in this segment.
The application of organic acids in ruminants is more complex due to the multi-chambered nature of their stomach and microbial fermentation processes. However, organic acids such as fumaric and malic acid are used to enhance rumen fermentation, improve fibre digestibility, and reduce methane emissions. Growth drivers in this segment include increasing demand for dairy and beef products, growing awareness of rumen health, and the need to reduce environmental impact.
Another segment where organic acids are widely used is pigs. The use of organic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid and propionic acid in pig diets provides significant benefits. These acids improve gut health and digestion, especially in weaned piglets transitioning to solid feed; reduce the need for antibiotic growth promoters; enhance immune function by reducing the incidence of intestinal pathogens; and improve growth performance by optimising nutrient absorption and feed efficiency. Factors such as increased pig farming, the need to improve piglet health and reduced use of antibiotics are the main growth drivers in this segment.
The aquaculture segment, which is witnessing rapid growth, is witnessing increasing adoption of organic acids because of their role in improving feed efficiency and disease resistance. Common organic acids used in fish and shrimp nutrition include formic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid. The addition of organic acids to aquaculture feeds helps to enhance nutrient absorption, improve disease resistance and optimise water quality by reducing waste excretion. Growth in the aquaculture sector, increasing demand for seafood, and the need for sustainable aquaculture practices are the key factors fuelling the growth of this segment.
Pet food manufacturers are also using organic acids to improve digestibility, maintain feed quality, and contribute to overall pet health by supporting gut microbiota balance.
ORGANIC ACIDS MARKET BY REGION
The market for organic acids used in animal nutrition varies in different regions, depending on local regulatory frameworks, demand for animal products and advances in feed technology:
USA
North America, led by the United States and Canada, has a well-established livestock industry with strict regulations on the use of antibiotics, which is fuelling the demand for organic acids. The developed livestock industry and the focus on feed efficiency are further fuelling the market growth. In Latin America, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are major players in poultry and pork production, which is increasing the need for effective feed additives, making them major consumers of organic acids. In addition, increasing exports of meat products require the use of high-quality feed additives to meet international safety standards.
Europe
The European Union has been at the forefront of banning antibiotic growth promoters and has encouraged the adoption of organic acids as an alternative. Countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands have strong livestock industries and stringent feed safety regulations, favouring the growth of the market.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for organic acids used in animal nutrition due to rapid industrialisation of livestock farming and increasing meat consumption. In large countries of the region such as China and India, increasing demand for poultry and pig products and government initiatives to improve feed efficiency have led to greater adoption of organic acids. The growing aquaculture industry in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines) is also promoting the supplementation of organic acids to improve feed utilisation and disease resistance in fish and shrimp. Australia and New Zealand are focussing on sustainable livestock farming, leading to increased interest in organic acids in ruminant diets.
Middle East and Africa
In the Middle East, the livestock sector, especially poultry and dairy farming, is expanding, leading to increased use of organic acids for feed efficiency and disease control. Although market growth in Africa is slower due to economic constraints, market growth is expected to increase with the improvement of agriculture and feed production infrastructure.
CONCLUSION
Offering benefits ranging from pathogen control and improved digestion to enhanced growth performance, organic acids play a vital role in modern animal nutrition. Their inclusion in animal feed represents a sustainable and effective strategy to optimise health and productivity while reducing the dependence on antibiotics. Growing global demand for safe and high-quality animal products, regulatory changes, and advancements in feed technology continue to drive the expansion of the organic acids market.
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