India Animal Feed Market Research Report, 2029

The Indian animal feed market is a vital segment of the agricultural sector, driven by the increasing demand for animal protein due to a growing population and changing dietary preferences. As of 2023, India is the largest producer of milk globally and ranks high in meat and egg production, which significantly influences the feed market. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including cattle feed, poultry feed, swine feed, and aquaculture feed, with a notable emphasis on poultry and cattle feeds. South India holds the largest share of the market, primarily due to its robust poultry industry, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In contrast, West India is emerging as a rapidly growing market for cattle feed production, with significant contributions from states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the animal feed industry in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees the safety and quality of animal feeds, ensuring that they meet specific nutritional standards. Additionally, various state governments implement subsidy schemes to promote cattle feed production and support farmers. The National Livestock Mission aims to enhance livestock productivity through better feeding practices and improved genetics. Moreover, initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focus on breed improvement and increasing milk production efficiency. In terms of purchasing trends, poultry feed dominates the market due to the high demand for chicken meat and eggs. This trend is particularly pronounced in South India, where chicken consumption is expected to rise significantly. Cattle feed also has a substantial market presence, especially in regions with high milk production such as Punjab and Haryana. The primary components of cattle feed include grains like sorghum and millet, along with oil cakes from mustard and cotton seeds. According to the research report "India Animal Feed Market Research Report, 2029," published by Actual Market Research, the India Animal Feed market is anticipated to grow at more than 3% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The India animal feed market has its share of challenges, such as low-quality raw materials, lack of availability of the right kind of feed technology and equipment, and an unorganized sector. Apart from this, the lack of access to finance and the shortage of skilled labor have limited the growth of the market. The India animal feed market is continuously evolving with new trends emerging. The feed industry has shifted from conventional methods to modern, high-tech manufacturing facilities and processes to meet the increasing demand. The focus has also shifted to providing customized solutions, and the demand for organic and natural feed has been on the rise. Feed manufacturers are also adopting new technologies such as steaming, pelleting, and extrusion to improve feed quality and enhance nutrition value. Despite the challenges facing the animal feed market in India, the sector offers a plethora of opportunities. The government's initiatives, such as the National Livestock Mission and various animal husbandry schemes, have increased the focus on animal nutrition and health, benefiting the animal feed sector. The increasing demand for meat and dairy products, rising income levels, and the growth of exports have also created opportunities for feed manufacturers. Animal feed are food items produced or grown for the consumption of livestock or poultry. These products are carefully grown and blended with numerous nutritional ingredients that are essential to maintain the health of animals. Some of the common feeds include pasture grasses, hay and silage crops, cereal grains, and other by-products of food crops, such as pineapple bran, brewers' grains, and sugar beet pulp. The animal feed industry encompasses various sectors such as cattle, poultry, and aquaculture.

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The Indian animal feed market is diverse, comprising several key ingredient categories that cater to the nutritional needs of livestock and poultry. Cereals are the primary energy source in animal feed, with corn, sorghum, wheat, barley, and rice being the most commonly purchased grains. These ingredients are crucial for both ruminants and poultry, providing essential carbohydrates that support growth and production. The increasing demand for high-energy feed formulations has led to a significant rise in cereal consumption within the industry. By-products from various industries also play a vital role in animal nutrition. Oilseed meals, particularly from soybeans and cotton, are widely used due to their high protein content. These by-products contribute significantly to the protein intake of livestock and are favored for their cost-effectiveness and nutritional value. Dried distillers grains (DDGs) from the ethanol industry are increasingly integrated into feed formulations, accounting for a notable portion of overall feed consumption. Cakes and meals derived from oilseeds, such as mustard and cottonseed cakes, are essential components of cattle feed. They provide not only protein but also fats that enhance energy levels in livestock diets. The demand for these products is driven by their availability and affordability, making them popular choices among farmersThe use of nutritional supplements is growing as farmers seek to improve animal health and productivity. Ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are increasingly included in feed formulations to ensure balanced nutrition for various animal types. Other ingredients include additives aimed at enhancing feed efficiency and animal performance. These may consist of probiotics or enzymes that facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption. The Indian animal feed market is segmented by form into several categories, each catering to different livestock needs and preferences. Pellets are the most common form of animal feed in India, favored for their convenience and nutritional consistency. They are compacted into small, cylindrical shapes that enhance digestibility and reduce waste. The pellet format is particularly popular among poultry and cattle farmers as it allows for easy handling and storage while ensuring a balanced nutrient profile. Mash refers to a loose mixture of feed ingredients that are not processed into pellets. This form is often used for poultry and swine, as it allows animals to select their preferred nutrients. However, mash can lead to higher feed wastage compared to pellets, making it less efficient for some farmers. Crumbles are essentially broken pellets that offer a middle ground between mash and pellets. They provide the nutritional benefits of pelleted feed while being easier for young animals, such as chicks or piglets, to consume. Crumbles are gaining traction in the market due to their palatability and ease of digestion. Cubes and cakes are less common but serve specific purposes in the feeding of ruminants. These forms often contain high concentrations of nutrients and are used primarily for supplementing diets in cattle. They can be formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and productivity. The Indian animal feed market is categorized by livestock types, with significant segments including cattle feed, poultry feed, pig feed, aqua feed, and others. Cattle feed holds a prominent position in the market, driven largely by India's status as the largest milk producer globally. The demand for high-quality cattle feed is increasing, particularly in regions like Western India, where dairy farming is prevalent. Key ingredients include grains such as sorghum and millet, along with oilseed cakes that provide essential nutrients for high-yielding dairy cattle. Poultry feed segment, primarily concentrated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The feed typically consists of maize, wheat, and soybean meal, catering to both broilers and layers. The pig feed segment is smaller but growing due to increasing meat consumption. This sector primarily utilizes specialized formulations that enhance growth rates and health in pigs. Aqua feed has emerged as a rapidly expanding segment, reflecting the rising demand for fish and seafood products. Although it started later than other segments, its growth potential is significant due to increasing aquaculture practices across various regions. Other livestock categories include feeds for sheep and goats, which are also gaining traction but remain less significant compared to cattle and poultry.

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Plant-based feed sources dominate the market, accounting for a significant portion of animal nutrition. Key ingredients include cereal grains such as maize, sorghum, and wheat, along with oilseed meals from soybeans, cotton seeds, and mustard. These ingredients provide essential carbohydrates and proteins necessary for growth and productivity. The increasing focus on sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategies has led to a rise in the use of alternative plant-based sources like guar meal and de-oiled rice bran, which are gaining popularity due to their high protein content and digestibility. Animal-based feed sources are less prevalent in India due to regulatory restrictions and ethical considerations. However, certain by-products from the meat and dairy industries, such as fish meal and blood meal, are utilized for their high protein levels. These ingredients are typically incorporated into specialized formulations for livestock requiring enhanced nutritional support. However, COVID-19 has caused some problems and changes in the feed industry, like many other industries, and the India feed industry is no exception. It had a negative impact due to disruptions in supply chain activities caused by global trade restrictions. A sharp drop in demand for restaurant meals and an increase in demand for grocery store food, combined with certain challenges in reorienting meat supply networks, resulted in a surge in retail meat prices and occasional grocery store stock-outs of specific meat products. Lower demand for cattle and supplies of beef and pork resulted from the drop in demand. Considered in this report: • Geography: India • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029

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Aspects covered in this report • India animal feed market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Ingredient: • Cereals • By Products • Cakes & Meal • Supplements • Others By Livestock: • Cattle Feed • Poultry Feed • Pig Feed • Aqua Feed • Others By Form: • Pellet • Mash • Crumbles • Cubes and Cakes By Source: • Plant-based • Animal-based The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Animal Feed Industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.