Global Ruminant Feed Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Ruminant Feed Market Analysis

The Global Ruminant Feed Market size is estimated at USD 534 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 620 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• The global ruminant market, which includes cattle, sheep, goats, and other plant-based digesters, has consistently expanded, driven by rising demand for dairy, meat, and related products. For instance, according to USDA in 2022, North America and Europe topped the charts in per capita dairy consumption, each surpassing 150 kg annually. In stark contrast, Africa's per capita consumption was a mere 37 kg. This gap highlights the pronounced demand for quality feed in developed nations, largely due to their push for heightened milk production.
• Moreover, worldwide consumption of ruminant meat is on an upward trajectory. Key influencers of meat consumption patterns include population growth, urbanization, demographics, income levels, pricing, and concerns related to health and the environment. As per OECD data, United States sheep meat consumption increased from 188.6 thousand metric tons in 2019 to 211.9 thousand metric tons in 2023, further energizing the ruminant feed market.
• The North American ruminant feed market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the region's expanding ruminant industries. As per the ITC Trade map, in 2022, the United States a leading global beef exporter, directs about 80% of its beef exports to key markets such as Japan, South Korea, China, Mexico, and Canada. This robust export activity, combined with a rising domestic demand for premium meat and dairy, has led to an increase in livestock populations. Consequently, the demand for ruminant feed has surged to support this growing animal base. In 2021, the United States produced 238.09 million metric tons of feed, a 1.02% rise from the previous year, according to Alltech Agri-Food Outlook. This production boost has heightened ruminant feed usage, with producers increasingly incorporating acidifiers, yeast, prebiotics, probiotics, and phytogenics to enhance meat and milk quality.
• Cereals are the cornerstone ingredient in global ruminant feed. As a primary energy source, cereals are integral to feed manufacturing. Among the diverse range of cereals, corn, barley, and sorghum are the most commonly used in ruminant feed production. Maize stands out as the predominant energy source, with 70% to 80% of its global output designated for feed. Oats, too, have maintained their status as a traditional feed grain over the centuries.

Ruminant Feed Industry Segmentation

Ruminant feed is the fodder that is blended from various raw materials and additives. These blends are formulated according to the specific requirements of the target animal. They are manufactured by feed compounders as meal type, pellets, or crumbles. Ruminant Animal Feed Market is segmented by Animal Type (Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle, and Other Animal Types), Ingredient Type (Cereals, Cakes and Meals, Food Wastages, Feed Additives, and Other Ingredients), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa). The report offers market size and forecasts in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.