Biosecurity is top of mind for European feed manufacturers and farmers as African Swine Fever (ASF) concerns continue to take their grip, but a coordinated response is well underway and innovation in preventative nutrition and vaccines in the pipeline.

Animal welfare is on the public agenda, and with a plethora of certifications and major brand commitments in place, industry is responding. But very few consumers fully understand the ins and outs of livestock farming and so most animal welfare concerns remain broad.

Ag tech in dairy is advancing fast, spearheaded by smart startups and backed by sound science, which will allow producers to better understand animal behavior and how they are fed.

As Chinese consumers turn to beef, chicken and even vegetarian options, it's important to understand the mindset fueling the shift away from the nation's favorite meat.

Europe leads by example in its regulatory push away from antibiotic use in animal production, but success will rely on an integrated mindset change and continued innovation in the field.

Leading researchers agree algae holds huge protein promise; however, its array of bioactive compounds is where this aquatic organism could truly create a dent in the animal nutrition market.

Fueled by a consumer curiosity to going meat free, plant-based and cell-cultured meat alternatives are gaining momentum and they are set to take market share from animal meat production.

Europe has made huge progress breeding insects for animal feed but uptake remains nascent, partly because production hasn't reached critical mass and partly because of numerous regulatory hurdles. But, experts believe a science-driven collaborative push from industry and government might be all that's needed to mainstream insects.

The European drought has hit wheat hard, forcing feed manufacturers to consider alternative raw materials. In the short-term, the market will remain tight, but experts say corn imports and sunflower seed husks, among others, offer options.

Just 2 percent of soy is certified sustainable, and mass integration is a way off, but it is achievable with the right farm-to-fork dialogue, government engagement and, of course, time.