Animal Feed Protein Market size to cross USD 512.5 Billion by 2034

Selbyville, DE. - The global animal feed protein market was estimated at USD 322 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 333 billion in 2025 to USD 512.5 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.9%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.  

As global populations grow and incomes rise, especially in developing countries, the demand for meat and dairy products increases. This drives the need for high-quality animal feed protein to support healthy livestock growth and productivity.  

Key Insights

Market Size & Growth:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 322 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 333 billion
• 2034 Forecast Market Size: USD 512.5 billion
• CAGR (2025–2034): 4.9%  

Regional Insights:

• Largest Market: North America
• Fastest Growing Market: Asia Pacific
• Emerging Countries: China, Japan, India, Canada, Germany, and Brazil  

Key Growth Drivers:

1. Expansion of intensive livestock farming: The shift toward intensive and commercial livestock farming practices requires nutrient-rich feed to optimize animal health and maximize yield, thereby boosting demand for protein-rich feed ingredients.  
2. Growing awareness of animal nutrition and health: Farmers and producers are increasingly aware of the role balanced nutrition plays in disease prevention and overall animal welfare.  
3. Rising adoption of sustainable and alternative protein sources: Due to environmental concerns and resource limitations, there is a growing trend toward alternative protein sources, such as insect protein and single-cell proteins, which are becoming integral in feed formulations.  
4. Technological advancements in feed processing: Innovations in feed processing techniques improve protein digestibility and nutrient absorption, making feed more efficient and cost-effective.  
5. Supportive government policies and investments: Many governments are promoting livestock productivity and food security through subsidies, research funding, and policies that encourage the use of high-quality feed ingredients.  

Key Players:

• Cargill Inc. led the market with over 10.5% share in 2024.  
• Some of the top players in this market include Nutraferma LLC, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Kerry Group, Darling Ingredients, Cargill Inc., which together held a 41.6% share in 2024.  

Key Challenges:

1. Volatility in raw material prices: Fluctuating prices of primary protein sources like soybean meal, fishmeal, and corn create uncertainty for manufacturers and farmers, making cost management difficult and impacting profit margins.  
2. Supply chain disruptions: Global events such as natural disasters, trade restrictions, and pandemics can disrupt the supply of raw materials, leading to shortages and delays in feed production.  
3. Sustainability and environmental concerns: The production of traditional protein sources, fishmeal and soy, raises environmental issues such as overfishing and deforestation, prompting calls for more sustainable alternatives that are still in early adoption stages.  
4. Regulatory challenges: Stringent regulations related to feed safety, quality standards, and labeling vary by region, creating compliance complexities and increasing operational costs for manufacturers.  
5. Competition from alternative protein sources: Emerging protein options like insect-based proteins and single-cell proteins face hurdles related to consumer acceptance, production scalability, and regulatory approvals.  

Browse key industry insights spread across 192 pages with 211 market data tables and figures from the report, “Animal Feed Protein Market Size - By Product, By Livestock, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034” in detail, along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/global-protein-market-for-animal-feed-application  

Rising Adoption of Plant Protein

The plant protein segment held a notable share in 2024, driven by its cost-effectiveness, abundant availability, and sustainable sourcing. Ingredients like soybean meal, canola, and pea protein are widely used for their high nutritional value and ease of digestion across multiple livestock species. Companies are investing in non-GMO and organic plant-based protein development, as well as in processing innovations that improve amino acid profiles and enhance bioavailability for targeted animal health benefits.  

Poultry to Gain Traction

The animal feed protein market from poultry segment held a sustainable share in 2024, supported by high global demand for chicken meat and eggs due to their affordability and lean protein content. The market growth is fueled by large-scale commercial farming operations and increasing per capita poultry consumption. Key industry players are focusing on tailored feed formulations that boost feed conversion ratios and reduce disease risks. Strategies include incorporating enzyme-enhanced protein blends and region-specific nutrition plans to meet the unique requirements of broilers, layers, and breeders.  

North America to Emerge as a Lucrative Region

North America animal feed protein market generated notable revenues in 2024, backed by a well-established livestock sector, high consumer demand for meat and dairy, and advanced agricultural practices. Companies operating in North America are adopting forward-looking strategies, including mergers with feed mills, expansion of production facilities, and R&D investments in sustainable protein alternatives. Emphasis is also being placed on precision nutrition and digital feed management systems to enhance animal performance and reduce input waste.  

Major players in the animal feed protein market are Angel Yeast, Deep Branch Biotechnology, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Ynsect, Nutraferma LLC, CHS Inc., Unibio Group, Innovafeed, DuPont (E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Company), Darling Ingredients, Kerry Group, Cargill Inc., Lallemand Inc., Crescent Biotech, and Imcopa Food Ingredients B.V.  

To strengthen their market presence, companies in the animal feed protein sector are pursuing a combination of innovation, partnerships, and sustainability. Many are expanding into alternative protein sources—like algae and insect protein—to diversify their offerings and reduce reliance on traditional raw materials. Strategic alliances with livestock farms and nutrition research centers help tailor product development to real-world needs. Additionally, players are leveraging digital tools to provide data-driven feeding solutions that maximize efficiency. Branding efforts now also emphasize traceability and eco-certifications to align with evolving consumer and regulatory expectations.