World feed production exceeds 1 billion MT

This is according to the just released 2017 Alltech Global Feed Survey. This 6th annual survey is the most comprehensive ever, now covering 141 countries and more than 30,000 feed mills. The results show that the US and China are the top 2 countries, producing 1/3 third of all animal feed, and that predominant growth came from the beef, pig and aquaculture feed sectors as well as several African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

This year’s survey showed that the top 30 countries, ranked by production output, are home to 82% of the world’s feed mills and produce 86% of the world’s total feed. The top 10 feed-producing countries in 2016, in order of production output importance, were China, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, India, Russia, Germany, Japan and France. These countries contain 56% of the world’s feed mills and account for 60% of total production.

Europe: For the first time in several years, the European Union saw feed tonnage growth. The region was led by Spain with 31.9 million tonnes produced in 2016, up 8%. Decreases came from Germany, France, Turkey and the Netherlands.

Asia: China remained the top feed-producing country with 187.20 million metric tonnes, while increased production for the Asian region also came from Vietnam, Pakistan, India and Japan. Vietnam in particular grew 21% over the past year and moved into the top 15 countries list for the first time, specifically led by increased production of pig and broiler feed. Asia continues to be one of the most expensive locations in the world to raise animals, as Japan’s feed prices are some of the highest in the world and China’s prices are double that of most of the top 10 producing countries.

North America: North America feed production remains relatively flat. However, the region continues to lead other regions in feed production for beef, turkey, pet and equine.

Africa: Africa had the fastest regional growth for the 5th year in a row, with more than half of the countries achieving growth. Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Zambia each showed significant growth that was greater than 30%. The region still lags in terms of feed per capita but shows continued opportunity for growth. Africa also has some of the highest finishing prices of any region, as Nigeria and Cameroon both rank in the top five countries.

Latin America: Brazil remained the leader in feed production, while Mexico saw the highest growth in tonnage, now accounting for more than 20% of Latin America’s total feed production but still only almost half of Brazil’s total production. Overall, Latin America has moderate feed prices, but Brazil’s have increased this year. When compared to the US, Brazil’s feed prices are 20% higher for pigs and 40% higher for layers and breeders.

Breakdown per animal species

The poultry industry represented 44% of the total global feed production, a slight decrease from last year. This could be a result of avian influenza, industry consolidation and more efficient feed conversion.

Positive growth was observed in pig feed production, particularly in Asia as Vietnam and Thailand are now top 10 pig-producing countries. China represents over a quarter of the world’s pig feed production, but sow numbers have decreased by almost 40% over the past 3 years.

Global dairy feed production remained flat, while the US and India reinforced their position as the top 2 producers with increases of 12% and 14%, respectively, whereas Europe saw a downturn. Turkey decreased by 1.5 million tonnes and Germany declined by 3.4 million tonnes.

The US maintained the top position in the beef industry, and estimated feed production was 10% higher than last year. China, Spain, Turkey and Mexico all showed increased beef feed production.

Aquaculture continued its year-over-year growth with a gain of 12% in feed production in 2016. Increased production from Turkey, Germany, the UK and France contributed to a strong performance from the European region. Africa increased production by almost 1 million tonnes, while Asia maintained its volume. The increase in aquaculture feed correlates to the consumption of farmed fish.

The 2016 survey was able to gather more pet sector data than previous years, allowing for more information to be captured on the size and scale of the market. The US remained number 1, while Europe and Asia also showed growth. France’s estimates were increased by 1 million tonnes, although this reflects more accurate data collection rather than a production increase over 2016. The UK, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia and China also experienced growth.

Source: Alltech