Alltech estimates 1.2% global feed output growth in 2024

Feed additive manufacturer Alltech estimates that global animal feed production increased by expanded by 16.7 million tonnes or 1.2% in calendar year 2024, compared to the “stagnant” 2023 year which saw a 0.2% decline.

The company notes that last year’s increase was achieved despite animal health challenges such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations and economic uncertainty, which it says underscores the resilience and adaptability of the international agricultural industry.

Alltech’s 2025 Agri-Food Outlook, the 14th in its annual series, draws on data from 28,230 feed mills across 142 countries. It is based on compound feed production and price data collected by Alltech’s global sales team, as well as from feed trade associations and official data-collecting organisations.

Thanks to increased biosecurity measures and vaccine development, as well as new sustainability regulations and rising incomes in some regions, global feed production held steady in 2024 and is projected to continue trending upward, predicts the company.

Global feed production by region (million tonnes)

The top 10 countries in terms of feed tonnage did not change significantly in 2024, apart from Türkiye at No 9 swapping places with Japan at 10. In top 10 order, China is first with 315.03m tonnes, a 6.52% fall year -on-year, followed by the US with 269.6m tonnes (up 0.68%); Brazil 86.64m tonnes (2.43%); India 55.24m tonnes (4.56%); Mexico 41.40m tonnes (1.38%); Russia 38.48m tonnes (8.53%); Spain 35.97m tonnes (1.46%); Vietnam 25.85m tonnes (3.41%). Turkiye 24.5m tonnes (4.83%) and Japan 24.3m tonnes (0.14%).

The top 10 countries accounted for 65.6% of the world’s feed production in 2024, compared to 66.0% in 2023. Some 52% of global feed consumption is concentrated in just four countries – China, the US, Brazil and India.

Asia Pacific’s decline in output is blamed on China’s fall of 6.5m tonnes as with disease such as African swine fever (ASF) and HPAI affecting demand wreaking havoc across the globe.

Global feed production by species (million tonnes)

Alltech notes that most regions and species displayed modest growth in feed output in 2024. Poultry continues to lead, although at a slower pace than in previous years with disruption from the HPAI virus in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Ruminant – dairy and beef – feed production increased, but pet feed production showed the fastest growth, which the company attributes to the “premiumization” of products on offer.

Feed Mill numbers (‘000s)