The animal intestinal health market is estimated to be worth USD 1,560 million by 2024. It is forecast to reach USD 2,200 million by 2034, demonstrating a CAGR of 3.5% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034.
The intestinal health of animals refers to the health and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in animals. It plays an important role in the overall health and well-being of the animals and is responsible for impacting weight, energy, immunity, behavior, production, and susceptibility to diseases.
There are countless microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of animals that are responsible for digestion, defense against pathogens, and the production of vitamins to aid health. Poor diet and the excessive use of synthetic supplements negatively impact gut health, thus influencing the overall health and performance of the animals.
Various scientific research is being conducted to improve the gut health function of animals. Among these, the use of bacteria-based probiotics, yeast-based prebiotics, postbiotics, and immunostimulants has emerged successfully and yielded better results. The use of probiotics in animal nutrition helps to establish beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, which in turn helps to balance the entire gut bacterial ecosystem.
Feeding animals with properly balanced diets sourced with natural ingredients will optimize digestive performance, helping the gastrointestinal tract efficiently absorb essential nutrients vital for animal health.
Advancements in biotechnology have allowed companies such as DSM, Zoetis, and AB Vista to improve animal nutrition with better nutritional additives including many microbiota organisms that improve growth and feed conversion efficiency. This ultimately improves the productivity of animals thus enhancing the market hold of the animal intestinal health industry.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Animal Intestinal Health Market Size (2024E) | USD 1,560 million |
| Projected Animal Intestinal Health Market Value (2034F) | USD 2,200 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.5% |
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Reducing the use of antibiotics in animal feeds
Animal feeds contain a variety of ingredients that are essential for animal nutrition. These ingredients include natural components, live microorganisms, prebiotics, postbiotics, essential oils, enzymes, and organic acids. Each ingredient plays a role in improving the quality of the feed, leading to better gastrointestinal health, enhanced animal performance, and overall productivity.
The rise in the continuous use of antibiotics in animal feed has contributed to an increase in resistant pathogens in animals, resulting in the rise of pathogen and metabolic diseases in livestock and poultry. To address this issue, many companies have adopted different approaches, such as implementing smart dietary strategies and using bioactive compounds to maintain a healthy intestinal microbiome ecosystem.
Key companies, such as Cargill, are investing significantly in research and development for targeted product development aimed at improving animal well-being through better gut health.
Early life interventions for better intestinal functionality
Intestinal infections are causing significant issues at every stage of animal growth. As a result, farmers and manufacturers have recognized the importance of using natural-based growth enhancers in the early stages of an animal's life. Incorporating beneficial intestinal microorganisms into animal feed can help reduce the occurrence of diseases and minimize stress.
The transition of feed from a young age to adulthood has a substantial impact on the overall health and performance of animals. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of different feed strategies for various age groups of animals.
Targeted supplementation has been successful in promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria, thereby improving the overall gut health of the animals. Therefore, early-life nutritional intervention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections and enhancing animal productivity.
Utilising lactic acid bacteria for maintaining animal gut health
The most commonly used organisms to regulate the microbial ecosystem in animals are bacteria-based probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria. These gram-positive bacteria are widely used in testing and maintaining the intestinal health of animals.
Animals' gastrointestinal tracts are home to over 1,000 species of bacteria that continuously interact and play a crucial role in overall development and protection against disease-causing pathogens, thereby impacting the animals' immunological and physiological functions. Lactic acid bacteria also contribute to eliminating harmful microorganisms by destroying their bacterial receptor sites and stabilizing the intestinal barrier function.
Some species of these bacteria also help alter the intestinal environment by producing important substances. The addition of supplements containing bacteria that directly or indirectly improve health is playing a key role in the increasing demand for microorganism-based nutrient solutions.
Animal Intestinal health nutrition sales increased at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on such products will rise at 3.5% CAGR.
Between 2019 and 2023 increasing concern over sustainability measures in food production and decline in the animal nutrition resources have raised the awareness and demand for livestock, feed for nutrition value. Cargill, ADM, and Evonik Industries have led in the market for doing by ingredients type feed, and nutrition that has been promote animal growth and health.
Cargill’s feeds have enhanced the immune response of pet animals which has led to improved health of the pet animals. During this period, the increasing number of health-conscious consumer looking for nutritive supplements for their pets propelled the growth of this industry.
The most commonly used materials for modulating the microbial ecosystem in animals are probiotics based on bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria. These gram-positive bacteria are widely used in testing and maintaining the intestinal health of animals.
The gastrointestinal tract of animals is inhabited by more than 1000 species of bacteria, which constantly interact and play an important role in the overall development and protection against disease-causing pathogens, thus affecting the immunological and physiological function of the animal. The addition of supplements with bacteria that improve health directly or indirectly has played a key role in the rising demand for microorganism-based nutrient solutions.
From the year 2024 to 2034, the sector is registered to fasten, owing to the achievements in precision nutrition and new-age technologies. The approaches of precision nutrition will further optimize feed technology across a variety of specifications feed, nutrition, and animal life phases, thereby improving feed efficiency and animals' growth rates.
Further, the introduction of technological advancements coupled with smart feeding systems is going to change the way feeds are given, lessen waste, and make use of productive growth rates by operating in real-time.
Principal Consultant
Tier 1 Companies are referred to as the major players of the industry, for instance, Cargill and ADM, as they are fully established worldwide with majority shares of the business ecosystem. Industry leaders always lead the level of creativity, research, and development and most of the time are the trendsetters.
Cargill, with its innovative feed formulations and industry distribution, is the leading provider of sustainable nutrition and health solutions helping to prevent intestinal health issues.
Tier 2 companies are regional players with sufficient market coverage known for offering niche products. They are typically more localized and address specific issues rather than general ones.
An example of such a company is Virbac Corporation, which is performing well in the Asia-Pacific region with its innovative dental hygiene kits, vaccines for infectious outbreaks, parasiticides, and antibiotics. Similarly, EW Nutrition provides customer-focused solutions for improved animal gut health through better nutrition values.
Tier 3 Companies are players who are usually limited to the local or regional areas. They tend to service localized areas and do not possess the same level of R&D as bigger companies but are nonetheless helpful in satisfying local needs. These companies are smaller in size but still strong in their target industries due to their deep-seated innovations and customer service.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. The USA, China, and India are set to exhibit high consumption, recording CAGRs of 6.0%, 6.2%, and, 5.3%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| The USA | 6.0% |
| China | 6.2% |
| India | 5.3% |
The animal intestinal health market in the USA is expected to be valued at USD 93.6 Million in 2024 and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period.
Intestinal health is crucial for an animal's well-being, as it is the first defense against harmful pathogens. It also plays a significant role in interacting with the gut microbiome and immune system cells, enabling the uptake of essential nutrients for various bodily functions.
To address these issues, companies based in the USA, such as Novus International, Inc., have organized seminars to raise awareness and empower the industry with intelligent nutrition programs, resulting in healthier outcomes. They have focused on reducing the inclusion of copper in animal nutrition, leading to better mineral uptake, improved productivity, reduced mortality, and enhanced animal welfare, particularly in poultry.
With these companies leading the way, the USA has established itself as a top poultry producer. The increasing consumer demand for animal-based products has driven the rising need for raising healthier and more productive animals. Companies such as Kemin Industries have introduced antibiotic-free gut solutions, offering alternatives such as probiotics, organic acids, enzymes, essential oils, mycotoxin binders, and bacteriophages.
These alternatives are expected to provide the same beneficial effects as antimicrobial growth performance promoters. These demand factors are driving the growth of the animal intestinal health industry.
The China animal intestinal health market is expected to be valued at USD 96.72 Million in 2024 and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period.
The animal production industry is becoming more competitive, with a greater focus on production efficiency. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, reducing their effectiveness. Technologically advanced countries, especially China, are known for using traditional medicinal practices with natural ingredients and nutrients in medicines for animals and humans.
They are leading the way in the animal health industry with innovative scientific advancements and strategic use of feed ingredients to shift animal health management from antibiotics to other alternatives for maintaining gut health. A study by an agricultural university in China found that piglets have underdeveloped immune and gastrointestinal digestive functions, making them sensitive to solid feeds and pathogenic bacteria.
This sensitivity has led to impaired gut function and gut microbiota, causing diarrhea and other metabolic issues, reducing production efficiency, and resulting in significant economic losses in China. To address these animal health issues, traditional Chinese formulas like Xiasangju, which contain plant extracts, have been widely used.
Two major companies, Evonik China Co., Ltd, and Shandong Vland Biotech Co., have joined forces to develop better solutions for gut health in farm animals. This joint venture is mainly focused on research and development capabilities, offering specific nutrition solutions for customers. Evonik Vland Biotech (Shandong) Co., Ltd. aims to maintain animal productivity without using antimicrobial growth performance enhancers.
They have developed probiotics for animal feed that can maintain and restore the microbial balance in the gut, thus increasing animal productivity. The increasing demand for customized animal health products and services aimed at improving overall animal performance has led to significant growth in this industry, attracting the attention of leading health solutions players.
India has the largest cattle population in the world, with about 308 million cattle. According to a press release from the Bureau of India (PIB), the Indian livestock sector grew at a high rate of 13.36% between 2014 to 2015 and 2021 to 2022. The animal health industry is one of the fastest-growing segments in India.
Companies like Virbac Animal Health India Private Limited have become leaders by understanding customer needs, continuously improving their systems and processes, and expanding their product offerings. They also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and provide strict advice to farmers. They have been consistently working on preventing and treating animal diseases and ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products.
The animal production sector in India is also supported by various government schemes such as the National Livestock Mission (NLM), the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), and others, which have contributed to the market growth in India.
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The competition landscape of the Animal nutrition market is intense. Cargill, ADM, and Boehringer Ingelheim are the major market players and contribute significantly in terms of R&D investment as well as further towards the creation of innovative sustainable feed concepts to tackle gut health concerns.
Such companies also seek to multiply the investment that they can dedicate to the efficient manufacturing of better animal nutrient feeds incorporated with improved gut microbiota for the better performance of animal health, their growth, and sustainable for the environment as well.
To expand their sales, manufacturers are embracing different strategies including vertical and strategic acquisitions. For instance, Cargill was able to increase its market share by purchasing smaller feed companies and assimilating them into its distribution network, thus ensuring the quality and availability of raw materials.
Boehringer Ingelheim was strategic in not just targeting local consumers but also local animal feed producers to regionalize their distribution and thereby capture the market.
For instance
As per Animal type, the industry has been categorized into Plant Cattle, Swine, Canine, Feline, Equine, and Others (Fish, Rabbits, Sheep, Goats, Aquaculture, etc).
As per species, the industry has been categorized into Nutrition, Prebiotics, Postbiotics, Phytogenics, and Enzymes.
This segment is further categorized into Performance Enhancer, Weight Management, Digestive Health, and Immune Booster.
This segment is further categorized into Powder, Liquid, and Tablets.
Veterinary Hospitals/Clinics, E-commerce / Internet Platforms, Specialty Stores, Animal Farms, Modern Trade, Retail Pharmacies / Supermarkets.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 1560 million in 2024.
Sales increased at 4.7% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Cargill, ADM, DSM, Zoetis, Kemin Industries, Adisseo, Kerry Group plc., Novozymes A/S, AB Vista, AdvaCarePharma, EW Nutrition, Alltech, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Evonik Industries.
The East Asian territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 6.2% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 5.0% from 2024 to 2034.
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Animal Intestinal Health Market
