Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Size (2026-2030)

The Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market was valued at USD 5.85 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 7.76 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2026-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%.

The Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market focuses on the use of beneficial microorganisms to improve animal health, productivity, and feed efficiency. These probiotics include bacteria, yeast, and fungi that support gut balance, enhance nutrient absorption, and strengthen immunity in livestock. The market is shaped by the rising need for safe and sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Producers are adopting probiotics to improve animal performance, reduce disease risks, and support responsible farming practices. Growing demand for high‑quality meat, milk, and eggs is increasing the use of probiotics in poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. The market is also influenced by stricter regulations on antibiotic use, which encourage the adoption of natural feed additives. Advancements in microbial research are enabling the development of targeted probiotic strains that address specific health challenges. Increasing awareness of animal welfare and the economic benefits of improved feed conversion ratios further support market growth. The market continues to expand as producers seek solutions that enhance productivity while maintaining environmental and food safety standards. Probiotics in animal feed play a vital role in modern livestock management by supporting healthier animals and more efficient production systems.

Key Market Insights:

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes probiotics significantly improve livestock productivity by enhancing gut balance, with studies showing measurable gains in growth performance and nutrient absorption across multiple species.
• FAO reports probiotics reduce pathogen levels in livestock digestive systems, contributing to improved immunity and supporting healthier production outcomes in over 30% of evaluated farm environments.
• Research shows probiotics enhance livestock gut microbiota stability, with documented improvements in digestive efficiency exceeding 15% in controlled feeding trials across poultry and ruminants.
• Scientific reviews highlight probiotics improving livestock immune responses by 20-25%, supporting better disease resistance and reducing reliance on traditional antibiotic interventions.
• Feed & Additive reports rising probiotic adoption driven by sustainability goals, with methane‑reduction benefits documented in ruminants by up to 12% in field studies.
• Industry data shows probiotics improving overall livestock productivity, with measurable gains in weight gain and feed conversion efficiency across poultry and swine systems exceeding 10%.
• FAO highlights probiotics as effective replacements for antibiotic growth promoters, with long‑term performance consistency demonstrated in more than 25 global livestock production studies.
• Scientific evaluations show probiotics supporting healthier gut microbiota composition, with beneficial bacterial populations increasing by 18-22% in supplemented livestock diets.
• Studies confirm probiotics reduce harmful pathogens in livestock digestive systems by 20-30%, contributing to improved welfare and reduced disease outbreaks in intensive farming systems.

Market Drivers:

Rising demand for antibiotic alternatives are the primary drivers of the Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market.

The Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market is driven by the growing need for effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns about antibiotic resistance are encouraging producers to adopt natural solutions that support animal health. Probiotics help maintain gut balance, reduce harmful bacteria, and improve immunity without contributing to resistance issues. Livestock producers are increasingly using probiotics to enhance feed efficiency and reduce disease outbreaks. The shift toward responsible farming practices is strengthening the demand for safe and sustainable feed additives. This driver reflects the global movement toward healthier production systems that protect both animal and human health.

Growth in livestock production and protein consumption are another driver of the Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market.

Increasing global consumption of meat, milk, and eggs is driving the need for efficient livestock production systems. Probiotics play a key role in improving nutrient absorption, supporting growth, and enhancing overall performance in poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. Producers are adopting probiotics to achieve better feed conversion ratios and reduce mortality rates. Expanding commercial farming operations in emerging markets further accelerates demand. As consumers seek high‑quality animal protein, producers rely on probiotics to maintain consistent output and meet rising expectations. This driver highlights the importance of probiotics in supporting productivity and sustainability in modern livestock systems.

Market Restraints and Challenges:

Major restraint in the Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market is the variability in probiotic performance across different species, feed conditions, and farm environments. Probiotics are sensitive to temperature, moisture, and storage conditions, which can reduce their effectiveness. Ensuring stability during feed processing is a significant challenge. Limited awareness among small‑scale farmers also affects adoption. Regulatory approval processes for microbial strains are complex and time‑consuming, creating barriers for new product development. High production costs and the need for continuous research further impact market growth. These challenges influence product reliability, pricing strategies, and long‑term adoption across global livestock sectors.

Market Opportunities:

The Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market offers strong opportunities through the development of species‑specific and function‑specific probiotic formulations. Growing interest in natural and sustainable feed additives is encouraging innovation in microbial technologies. Expanding livestock production in emerging markets creates new demand for performance‑enhancing solutions. Advancements in biotechnology are enabling the creation of more stable and effective probiotic strains. Increasing focus on animal welfare and premium protein products supports the adoption of high‑quality feed additives. The rise of precision farming and digital monitoring tools also enhances probiotic usage. These opportunities highlight the potential for growth, innovation, and wider adoption across global livestock systems.

PROBIOTICS IN ANIMAL FEED MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Segmentation:

Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Segmentation By Livestock

• Poultry
• Aquaculture
• Swine
• Pets
• Others

The poultry segment dominates the market because poultry farming requires consistent solutions that support gut health, immunity, and feed efficiency. Probiotics are widely used in broilers and layers to improve digestion and reduce disease risks in intensive production systems. Poultry producers rely on probiotics to maintain flock performance, especially in environments where antibiotic use is restricted. Probiotics help stabilize gut flora, enhance nutrient absorption, and support better weight gain. The segment benefits from rising global demand for poultry meat and eggs, which encourages producers to adopt reliable feed additives. Continuous improvements in poultry nutrition and the need for cost‑effective production further strengthen the dominance of this segment.

Aquaculture is the fastest‑growing segment because fish and shrimp farming increasingly depend on probiotics to improve water quality, digestion, and disease resistance. Probiotics help reduce harmful pathogens, support nutrient utilization, and enhance survival rates in intensive aquaculture systems. Growing demand for sustainable seafood is encouraging producers to adopt natural feed additives that improve productivity without harming the environment. Probiotics also help reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture, supporting safer and more responsible farming practices. Expansion of commercial fish and shrimp farming in Asia and other coastal regions further accelerates growth. As aquaculture continues to expand globally, the need for effective probiotic solutions is rising rapidly.

Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Segmentation By Type

• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Fungi
• Others

Bacteria‑based probiotics dominate the market because they offer strong benefits for gut health, immunity, and nutrient absorption across multiple livestock species. These probiotics include well‑researched strains that help maintain microbial balance and improve digestive efficiency. Bacterial probiotics are widely used due to their stability, effectiveness, and compatibility with different feed formulations. They support better feed conversion ratios and help reduce digestive disorders in poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. Their ability to survive processing conditions and deliver consistent results makes them the preferred choice for producers. The segment continues to lead because bacterial strains are supported by extensive scientific research and proven performance in commercial farming systems.

Yeast‑based probiotics are the fastest‑growing segment because they offer unique benefits for rumen function, stress reduction, and immune support. Yeast helps stabilize gut conditions, improve fiber digestion, and enhance nutrient utilization in ruminants and monogastric animals. Growing interest in natural and functional feed additives is increasing the adoption of yeast probiotics. They are also valued for their ability to support animals during heat stress and environmental challenges. Yeast products are gaining popularity in dairy, beef, and poultry production due to their versatility and performance benefits. As producers seek alternatives that improve resilience and productivity, yeast‑based probiotics are experiencing rapid growth across global livestock sectors.

Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Segmentation By Form

• Dry
• Encapsulated
• Liquid
• Water‑soluble
• Others

Dry probiotics dominate the market because they offer better stability, longer shelf life, and easier handling during feed processing. These formulations are widely used in commercial feed mills and on‑farm mixing systems. Dry probiotics maintain their viability under varying storage conditions and can be incorporated into pelleted or mash feeds without significant loss of activity. Their convenience and cost‑effectiveness make them the preferred choice for large‑scale livestock operations. Dry forms are also easier to transport and distribute, supporting their widespread adoption. Producers rely on dry probiotics because they deliver consistent performance and integrate smoothly into existing feed production systems, strengthening their position as the leading segment.

Encapsulated probiotics are the fastest‑growing segment because they offer enhanced protection and targeted delivery within the digestive system. Encapsulation helps probiotics survive heat, moisture, and pressure during feed processing, ensuring higher viability. This technology allows controlled release in specific gut regions, improving effectiveness and consistency. Encapsulated probiotics are gaining attention in poultry, swine, and aquaculture due to their improved stability and performance benefits. Producers value these solutions because they reduce degradation and enhance probiotic activity under challenging conditions. As demand for precision nutrition increases, encapsulated probiotics are becoming more popular in advanced feeding programs. Their ability to deliver reliable results is driving rapid adoption across global markets.

Probiotics in Animal Feed Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

North America is the largest regional market because it has well‑established livestock industries and strong adoption of advanced feed technologies. Producers in the region prioritize animal health, productivity, and compliance with strict regulations on antibiotic use. Probiotics are widely used in poultry, dairy, beef, and swine production to support gut health and improve feed efficiency. The region benefits from high awareness of sustainable farming practices and strong investment in research and innovation. Commercial farms rely on probiotics to enhance performance and reduce disease risks. The presence of advanced feed manufacturing infrastructure further supports widespread adoption. These factors make North America the leading region in probiotic usage.

Asia‑Pacific is the fastest‑growing region due to rapid expansion of poultry, swine, and aquaculture industries. Rising demand for animal protein and growing populations are increasing the need for efficient and sustainable production systems. Producers in the region are adopting probiotics to improve feed conversion, reduce mortality, and support healthier livestock. Restrictions on antibiotic use are also encouraging the shift toward natural feed additives. Expanding commercial farming operations in China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia further accelerate growth. Increasing awareness of animal health and the economic benefits of probiotics is driving adoption across small and large farms. These factors position Asia‑Pacific as the fastest‑growing regional market.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis:

The COVID‑19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market. Disruptions in supply chains affected the availability of raw materials and delayed distribution. However, the pandemic increased awareness of biosecurity and animal health, encouraging producers to adopt probiotics to strengthen immunity and reduce disease risks. The demand for poultry and dairy products remained stable, supporting probiotic usage in key livestock sectors. The shift toward sustainable and antibiotic‑free production gained momentum during the pandemic. As operations stabilized, producers increased their focus on feed quality and performance. Overall, COVID‑19 accelerated long‑term interest in natural feed additives that support resilience and productivity.

Latest Trends and Developments:

Recent trends in the Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market include the development of multi‑strain probiotic blends that target specific digestive and immune functions. There is growing interest in microencapsulation technologies that improve probiotic stability during feed processing. The demand for natural and sustainable feed additives is increasing across poultry, swine, and aquaculture sectors. Research is expanding on next‑generation probiotics that offer enhanced resilience and targeted benefits. Digital monitoring tools are being used to measure probiotic effectiveness in real time. Producers are adopting probiotics to support antibiotic‑free production systems. These trends reflect a shift toward innovation, precision nutrition, and improved animal health management.

Key Players in the Market:

1. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
2. Evonik Industries AG
3. DSM‑Firmenich AG
4. Lallemand Inc.
5. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
6. Kemin Industries, Inc.
7. Alltech, Inc.
8. Provita Eurotech Ltd.
9. Land O’Lakes, Inc.
10. Bio‑Vet, Inc.

Latest Market News:

• September 2024: AI‑designed probiotics represent a major advancement in the Probiotics in Animal Feed Market. Using computational models, researchers are creating targeted microbial strains that enhance digestion, immunity, and overall livestock health. These next‑generation probiotics aim to reduce disease risks, improve feed efficiency, and support sustainable farming. The approach helps producers meet rising protein demand while lowering environmental impact, positioning AI‑driven probiotics as a transformative solution for modern animal nutrition.
• February 2025: Novonesis announced an agreement to acquire dsm‑firmenich’s share of the long‑standing Feed Enzyme Alliance. The deal dissolves the 25‑year partnership and transfers full sales and distribution control to Novonesis. This acquisition strengthens Novonesis’ position in animal biosolutions, expanding its capabilities in enzymes and microbial technologies that support probiotic innovation in animal feed. The move aligns with its strategy to accelerate growth in sustainable livestock nutrition.