The downturn in pig feed volumes was driven by lower production in Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Oceania—regions still grappling with the aftermath of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks and ongoing economic pressures. While feed output for pigs increased in Europe, Latin America, and North America, the pig sector was the only major category to show a net decrease, highlighting persistent issues with disease management and cost volatility.
Surveyed stakeholders expressed the highest level of pessimism for the pig feed sector compared to other livestock sectors. Alltech analysts emphasize that effective disease control and stabilized feed costs will be essential to reignite growth in this segment.
The annual survey—based on data from 142 countries and 28,235 feed mills—revealed that the top four countries (China, the U.S., Brazil, and India) accounted for over half of the world’s feed production (52%). Including the next six largest producers (Mexico, Russia, Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, and Japan), the top ten countries produced nearly two-thirds (65.6%) of all global feed.
Despite the challenges in pig feed, other segments performed better. Broiler feed production rose by 1.8% to 385.4 million metric tonnes. Dairy feed increased by 3.2%, reaching 165.5 million metric tonnes, driven by strong milk prices, intensified production, and robust demand. Pet food was the fastest-growing segment, surging 4.5% to 37.7 million metric tonnes, fueled by premiumization and rising pet ownership, especially in developing regions.
Still, for pig feed production to rebound, the industry will need more than economic momentum—it will require consistent biosecurity improvements and better preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
pigprogress.net