| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 560.20 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 675.10 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.80 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis
The South America Ruminant Feed Market size is estimated at USD 560.20 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 675.10 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.80% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The growing consumer demand for nutritious meat and dairy products has led ruminant producers to adopt high-quality feed solutions that enhance animal health and overall performance. According to USDA, Brazil ranks second in global beef production with 19% of global production i.e., 11.85 million metric tons in MY 2024-2025. Industrial ruminant production requires premium feed to improve operational efficiency, feed conversion ratios, and animal muscle mass development. These production requirements, combined with the increasing focus on animal welfare and product quality, have significantly increased the demand for specialized ruminant feed, driving substantial growth in the South American ruminant feed market.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Brazil remained the largest cattle producer in South America, with beef and dairy cattle populations reaching 238.6 million animals in 2023. Argentina recorded a 1.6% increase in cattle numbers, reaching 54.2 million heads in 2022, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. This expansion in cattle production, driven by increasing consumer demand for animal-derived products and evolving dietary preferences, has heightened the need for high-quality ruminant feed across the region.
South America Ruminant Feed Market Trends
Beef Cattle Segment Dominates the Market
South America's increasing population and rising income levels have led to higher consumption of meat, driving the demand for animal protein. This trend has created a growing requirement for high-quality animal feed to support livestock production in the region. Beef remains a dietary staple across all income levels in South America, maintaining its competitive advantage over other meats due to strong consumer preferences and relatively low prices enabled by the region's extensive pasture resources.
The increased demand for meat products has boosted beef production in the region. According to FAOSTAT, buffalo meat production in South America increased from 26,320.76 metric tons in 2022 to 29,749.86 metric tons in 2023. In countries like Brazil, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, rising per capita income is anticipated to further shift dietary preferences toward protein-rich foods. However, meat consumption patterns vary significantly across the region due to cultural and religious factors, as well as diverse consumer preferences.
The growing demand for animal protein, including meat and milk, has increased the need for high-quality animal feed to support ruminant growth and productivity. This trend is anticipated to drive the South American ruminant feed market throughout the forecast period.
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Brazil Dominates the Market
Brazil maintains its position as one of the largest beef exporters globally. The country's beef exports were boosted significantly in 2024, driven by robust global demand. Brazil exports diverse beef products, including fresh and frozen cuts and processed beef items, to meet substantial international import requirements.
The global meat demand has stimulated ruminant meat production in South American countries, particularly Brazil. Ruminant feed enhances both nutritional value and meat quality, making it increasingly important in the Brazil market as the integral part of the diets of Brazil.
As South America's largest cattle producer, Brazil has expanded its meat exports considerably. According to ITC Trade data, bovine meat exports increased from 172,799 metric tons in 2023 to 292,967 metric tons in 2024, representing a 69.5% growth. This increase resulted from record beef production volumes due to higher slaughter rates.
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South America Ruminant Feed Industry Overview
The South American ruminant feed market operates with a consolidated structure, featuring several established companies. Major global players, including Cargill, ADM, DSM-Firmenich, Kemin Industries, and Alltech, maintain significant market positions. These companies invest substantially in research and development to develop new products, expand their market presence, and strengthen their customer base in the region.
South America Ruminant Feed Market Leaders
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Cargill, Incorporated
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ADM
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Kemin Industries
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Alltech
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DSM-Firmenich
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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South America Ruminant Feed Market News
- October 2024: DSM-Firmenich has inaugurated a new animal nutrition factory in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility spans 40,000 square meters and will produce 100,000 metric tons of supplements annually for beef and dairy cattle. This strategic investment aims to enhance livestock health, productivity, and sustainability while supporting the local economy and agribusiness sector.
- May 2023: Cargill announced the building of an animal feed production plant in Brazil, which is aimed to strengthen animal production in the region and the entire chain of raw materials, as well as explore local alternatives such as dry distillery grains.
South America Ruminant Feed Industry Segmentation
Ruminant feed consists of blended raw materials and additives formulated to meet specific animal requirements. Feed compounders manufacture these products in meal, pellet, or crumble forms. The South American ruminant feed market is segmented by animal type (dairy cattle, beef cattle, and other animal types), ingredient type (cereals, cakes and meals, food wastage, feed additives, and other ingredients), and geography (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America).
| Animal Type | Dairy Cattle |
| Beef Cattle | |
| Other Animal Types | |
| Ingredients | Cereals |
| Cakes and Meals | |
| Other Ingredients | |
| Geography | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America |
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South America Ruminant Feed Market Research FAQs
How big is the South America Ruminant Feed Market?
The South America Ruminant Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 560.20 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.80% to reach USD 675.10 million by 2030.
What is the current South America Ruminant Feed Market size?
In 2025, the South America Ruminant Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 560.20 million.
Who are the key players in South America Ruminant Feed Market?
Cargill, Incorporated, ADM, Kemin Industries, Alltech and DSM-Firmenich are the major companies operating in the South America Ruminant Feed Market.
What years does this South America Ruminant Feed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South America Ruminant Feed Market size was estimated at USD 538.91 million. The report covers the South America Ruminant Feed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South America Ruminant Feed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South America Ruminant Feed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South America Ruminant Feed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South America Ruminant Feed analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
