Global feed production continues to enjoy steady growth, but species-specific products can face disparate challenges.
Feed production increased 2% worldwide in 2018, but some species saw faster growth than others. Poultry and aquaculture continue to lead the pack, while swine producers struggle with outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) and ruminants — especially beef cattle producers — contend with shifting consumer preferences.
Poultry production posted another strong year, growing 2% and consuming nearly 47% of all compound feed produced globally. Pig production was also growing as of the end of 2018, consuming 28% of the world’s feed, but ASF-related losses in China have already begun to send shockwaves through the industry. The beef industry, meanwhile, is stagnating, and dairy producers must combat low prices and the popularity of non-dairy alternatives.
Aquaculture, organic meat and eggs, and even sheep and goat production are drawing attention from the feed industry.
