Poultry farming is one of the main segments of global agriculture, and the quality of poultry feed is important for the health and productivity of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry. Poultry feed manufacturers play a pivotal role in this industry by providing the nutritional foundation necessary for optimal growth and performance. The companies in the market are driven by innovation and sustainability, developing advanced feeds which promote animal health while also considering environmental impact. The industry is dominated by major global brands, which focus on research and development, however small regional players are also active, which cater to the local markets.

Here’s a look at some of the leading poultry feed manufacturers around the world that are shaping the future of poultry nutrition.

      1. Cargill

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA

Cargill is a global leader in the agricultural sector and one of the largest producers of poultry feed. The company’s feed products are known for their high-quality ingredients and nutritional formulations designed to support the health and productivity of poultry. Cargill's extensive research and development efforts ensure that their feeds meet the evolving needs of the industry. The company provides complete feed, premixes, base mixes, concentrates, flavorings or additives for the animals. Cargill provides a comprehensive array of animal nutrition, and management solutions tailored for producers, feed retailers, and feed manufacturers.

2. De Heus Animal Nutrition

Headquarters: Ede, The Netherlands

De Heus Animal Nutrition is an international leader in animal and poultry feed, dedicated to delivering expert nutritional solutions to farmers around the world. Their mission is to enhance the growth and health of livestock through high-quality feed and responsible feeding practices. With a strong emphasis on research and development, De Heus continuously innovates to meet global challenges in animal nutrition, all while fostering the success of their customers with a commitment to sustainability. It offers a complete range of compound feed, premixes, concentrates and feed specialties. Its customers are small and large farmers, integrations and dealers. With its well-developed logistics networks, it is able to support farmers and feed specialists quickly and efficiently.

3. Purina Animal Nutrition (a Land O’Lakes Company)

Headquarters: Shoreview, Minnesota, USA

Purina Animal Nutrition, part of Land O’Lakes, is renowned for its scientifically formulated poultry feeds. They offer a comprehensive range of products for various stages of poultry development, emphasizing nutrition, performance, and animal welfare. Their commitment to research and quality control makes them a preferred choice among poultry farmers. The company’s team includes over 500 experts, including Master of Science, Ph.D. holders, veterinarians, nutritionists, microbiologists, geneticists, and immunologists, all united by their dedication to delivering optimal nutrition for the best possible results for animals.

      4. For Farmers

Headquarters: Lochem, Gelderland, Netherlands

ForFarmers is a company dedicated to the production and distribution of animal feed, including poultry feed, thereby providing innovative and sustainable solutions for livestock farmers. They emphasize circular food production and are committed to transparency and strong governance. ForFarmers aspires to lead the industry by setting high standards in both feed quality and environmental stewardship. ForFarmers, a prominent player in Europe, boasts sales of around 8.4 million tonnes of feed. The company operates production facilities in the Netherlands (its headquarters), Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, and exports to numerous countries both within and beyond Europe. The primary activities of the business include the production and transportation of feed, alongside providing innovative solutions that encompass feed products, expert advice, and specialized tools. The company’s product portfolio consists of a diverse range of offerings, including compound feed, young animal feed, specialized feed, moist co-products, loose raw materials, fertilizers, and seeds.Top of Form

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5. New Hope Liuhe

Headquarters: Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China

New Hope Liuhe is one of China’s largest and most influential feed manufacturers. They provide a wide range of poultry feed products, including those for broilers, layers, and breeders. Their extensive production capabilities and focus on research and development ensure high-quality feed that meets international standards. The company’s business is spread across Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh. Currently, several of its companies have achieved certifications including "ISO 9001 Quality Management System," "ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System," "GAP Good Agricultural Practice," and "HACCP Food Safety Management System," among others.

6. De Heus Voeders B.V.

Headquarters: Ede, North Holland, Netherlands

De Heus specializes in animal feed production, offering a diverse array of feed products for cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep. Their primary focus is on delivering high-quality feed that enhances animal health and well-being while optimizing production efficiency. Committed to sustainability and innovation, De Heus strives to help farmers achieve optimal outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable future.

7. Masterfeeds, an Alltech company

Headquarters: Ontario, Canada

Masterfeeds is a premier provider of animal nutrition in Canada, delivering a diverse selection of balanced and high-quality products for different species and life stages. With a longstanding history of serving Canadian livestock and poultry producers, Masterfeeds offers nutritional solutions that enhance milk, meat, and egg production excellence. Masterfeeds’ offerings are meticulously formulated to support exceptional milk yield, superior meat quality, and increased egg production, thereby driving overall excellence in animal husbandry.

8. Keystone Mills

Headquarters: Romulus, New York, United States

Keystone Mills, a family-owned regional feed manufacturer based in Romulus, NY, is dedicated to addressing the nutritional needs of dairy, hog, poultry, beef, sheep, and goat producers. They offer both custom bulk and standard bag feeds, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each farm. The company also manufactures stock and custom organic and non-GMO feeds. The company’s All Natural Lines of Feed for Poultry and Swine do not contain any medications, antibiotics or animal proteins, which many producers find to be great options for their livestock.

9. Skretting (a part of Nutreco)

Headquarters: Stavanger, Norway

Skretting, part of Nutreco, is a global leader in aquaculture and poultry feed. Their innovative approaches to feed formulation and their commitment to research and development ensure high-quality products that enhance poultry health and performance. Skretting’s global reach and expertise make them a key player in the feed industry. Skretting operates production facilities in 18 countries.

10. Nutreco

Headquarters: Amersfoort, Netherlands

Nutreco is a global leader in animal nutrition and aquaculture, with a strong presence in the poultry feed market through its various brands, including Skretting and Trouw Nutrition. Nutreco’s focus on sustainable and efficient nutrition solutions drives their success in improving poultry productivity and health. The company was established in 1994 following a management buyout of BP's feed and nutrition division, which was backed by Cinven.

In July 2024, Nutreco announced the completion of the world’s first dedicated food-grade powder production facility for cell feed in Boxmeer, The Netherlands, and has officially commenced commercial operations.

According to TechSci Research Report “India Poultry Feed Market By Nature (Conventional, Organic), By Form (Mashed, Pellets, Crumbles, and Others), By Additives (Antibiotics, Vitamins, Antioxidants, Amino Acid, Feed Enzymes, Feed Acidifiers, and Others), By Animal Type (Layers, Broilers, Turkey, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F,” India's Poultry Feed Market was valued at USD 3.27 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.21% through 2030. The market growth is driven by various factors, such as increasing poultry consumption, expanding poultry farming operations, etc.

Key Factors Driving the India Poultry Feed Market:

The Indian poultry feed market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a variety of dynamic factors. Understanding these drivers is crucial for stakeholders looking to navigate and capitalize on the opportunities within this burgeoning sector.

1. Growing Poultry Consumption

There is increased demand for poultry products in India due to growing population and rising disposable incomes. The consumption of chicken and eggs is rising as more people shift towards protein-rich diets. This trend drives the need for more efficient poultry farming, directly boosting demand for high-quality poultry feed to support higher production levels.

2. Expanding Poultry Farming Operations

The expansion of both commercial and backyard poultry farming operations across India is leading to the increase in demand for poultry feed. Farmers are opting modern practices and technologies to improve productivity and meet the growing market needs, resulting in higher feed consumption.

3. Major Advancements in Feed Technology

The poultry industry is witnessing growth due to innovations in feed technology and the development of specialized feed formulations that enhance growth rates, improve feed efficiency, and ensure better health of poultry. Moreover, nutritional supplements, additives, and balanced feed formulations are becoming increasingly popular, pushing the demand for advanced poultry feed solutions.

4. Government Initiatives and Support

Various schemes and policies have been implemented by Indian government to support the poultry industry. Initiatives such as subsidies for feed, investment in infrastructure, and support for research and development are enhancing the growth prospects of the poultry feed market. Also, the support from the government helps in reducing costs and improving the overall efficiency of poultry farming.

5. Increasing Focus and Awareness about Animal Nutrition

Poultry farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of balanced nutrition and its impact on poultry health and productivity. Educating farmers about the benefits of high-quality feed and its role in maximizing yield is leading to increased adoption of superior feed products.

6. Urbanization and Modern Retail Channels

The urbanization and the expansion of modern retail channels are having a major impact on the Indian market. The rise of organized retail and online platforms is making poultry products more accessible to urban consumers, which, in turn, is driving the demand for consistent and high-quality poultry feed to meet the needs of large-scale poultry operations.

7. Emphasis on Sustainable and Eco-friendly Practices

There is an increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility within the poultry industry. Feed manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly practices and sustainable feed ingredients to align with global trends and regulatory requirements. This shift towards sustainable feed production is influencing market growth and development.

8. Rising Investments and Market Expansion

The market growth in the Indian poultry sector is driven by both domestic and international investments. Companies operating in the market are expanding their operations, establishing new feed production facilities, and exploring new markets within the country. This influx of investment supports the development of innovative feed products and enhances the overall capacity of the poultry feed market.

9. Biosecurity and Disease Management

The focus on biosecurity and disease management is driving demand for specialized poultry feeds, which support health and immunity. Feeds including probiotics, prebiotics, and other health-boosting ingredients are becoming important as farmers strive to prevent disease outbreaks and improve flock health.

Thus, the India poultry feed market is being shaped by several factors, such as increased poultry consumption, advancements in feed technology, government support, and a growing focus on sustainability. As the market continues to evolve, these drivers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of poultry feed production and consumption in India.

Pros and Cons of Poultry Feed

Pros

Nutritional Optimization: The formulation of poultry feed is such that it provides a balanced mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, that meet the needs of different types of poultry, such as broilers, layers, and turkeys. This ensures that poultry achieve optimal growth rates, egg production, and overall health.

Enhanced Productivity: Feed conversion ratios improve due to high-quality poultry feed, meaning birds grow faster and more efficiently. This leads to higher meat yield and egg production, which can be economically beneficial for producers.

Management of Disease: Several commercial feeds include additives which help in management of diseases. These may include probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins that strengthen the immune system and limit the need for antibiotics and other medications.

Quality and Consistency: The process of feed manufacturing ensures a consistent quality of feed, that helps maintain uniform growth and production rates in poultry. This consistency can be vital for meeting market demands and maintaining product standards.

Economic Efficiency: Overall production costs can be reduced by a well-formulated feed. This can also improve feed conversion efficiency. This means less feed is required to produce a given amount of poultry meat or eggs, which can improve profitability.

Convenience: Poultry feed which is commercially available provides a convenient and ready-to-use solution for poultry farmers, thereby saving time and effort. Also, it is more beneficial than creating feed from scratch or relying solely on natural forages.

Cons

Cost Variability: The price of poultry feed can vary because of changes in raw material costs, supply chain issues, and market conditions. Such fluctuations can affect the profitability of poultry farming, particularly for small-scale producers.

Impact on Environment: There can be environmental impact of the feed production processes, such as deforestation for crop cultivation, high water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the feed industry can contribute to pollution through runoff of fertilizers and pesticides.

Health Issues: Feed that is improperly formulated or contaminated can lead to nutritional imbalances or health problems in poultry. Contaminants such as mycotoxins or pathogens can adversely affect bird health and productivity.

Resource Dependence: The production of poultry feed depends on large quantities of grains and other resources, which can strain agricultural systems and lead to competition for resources with human food production.

Ethical Concerns: The production and sourcing of feed ingredients can raise ethical concerns related to animal welfare, particularly if feed ingredients are sourced from practices that involve poor treatment of animals or unsustainable land use.

Conclusion:

Thus, there are several global players in the poultry feed industry, each contributing to the advancement of poultry nutrition through innovation, research, and sustainability. From big companies like Cargill and ADM to specialized companies like Alltech and DSM, these manufacturers are at the forefront of ensuring that poultry farmers worldwide have access to high-quality feed solutions that drive productivity and animal welfare.

As the global demand for poultry continues to increase, these top manufacturers will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of poultry farming through their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.