December 21, 2012
Feed additives an alternative to supplement EU livestock feeds
The rising costs of raw materials used to feed livestock such as wheat, barley, and soy, pushes EU farmers to use feed additives as an alternative to complement an animal''s diet.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, ''Analysis of the Central and Eastern European Animal Feed Additives Market'', finds that the market earned revenues of EUR798.6 million (US$1.1 billion) in 2011, and estimates this to reach EUR1,029.9 million (US$1.4 billion) in 2018. The segments covered in the research include vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, acidifiers, enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants and mycotoxin inhibitors.
Feed additives increase animal growth, reduce environmental pollution and decrease production costs. Moreover, they enhance the physical characteristics of the feedmaterial, improve nutrients'' digestibility and eliminate pathogens.
"Additives can regulate growth, modify the rumen''s activity and improve feed efficiency with increases in meat, milk and egg production of up to 15% annually," noted Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials and Foods Global Programme Manager, Christopher Shanahan.
However, the high price of selected feed additives, such as fatty acids, has restricted market penetration in the short term. With increasing awareness and affluence on the demand side, the impact of price is likely to decline.
"Compound feed often does not deliver all the necessary nutrients needed for the expected level of health and wellness of the animals," explained Shanahan. "Heightened awareness about the need and benefits of feed additives, along with farmers'' openness towards new products, will undoubtedly drive the market in the future."
Product differentiation will play a key role in cutting through clutter. Participants offering customised, efficient and cost-effective products, backed by strong technical support will hold a strong advantage over their competitors.
"End users prefer a one-stop shop experience," concluded Shanahan. "Feed additive suppliers, therefore, need to develop innovative products that can be customised to address issue-specific challenges and that meet the needs of farmers."