Vietnam’s animal feed production reached 1,182,600 tons in March, up from 1,113,700 tons in February. Year-to-date output for the first quarter totalled 3,465,700 tons, showing an 8.7 percent increase compared to March 2024 and a 6.3 percent rise year-on-year, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Of note, Vietnam’s animal feed production is a key part of the country’s agricultural and livestock industries, supporting the growing demand for meat, poultry, and aquaculture products. The sector has expanded significantly in recent years due to the increasing consumption of animal-based products and the country’s growing livestock sector, which includes pigs, poultry, and fish farming.
The production of animal feed in Vietnam is diverse, with products made for different types of livestock, including cattle, poultry, pigs, and fish. The most common types of animal feed include compound feeds, which are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients for animals, as well as specialized feeds for fish farming, which has seen substantial growth in the Mekong Delta and other regions.
The industry is dominated by both domestic companies and international players such as Cargill, De Heus, and Proconco, which have set up large-scale feed mills across the country. These companies play a significant role in the supply chain, providing high-quality feed products and ingredients to the country’s extensive network of farms. Additionally, the government’s support of modern farming practices and the growing demand for meat and dairy products have driven the growth of animal feed production.
Vietnam’s animal feed production largely relies on imported raw materials, including grains, soybean meal, and corn, which are essential for formulating high-protein feeds. While Vietnam is a significant producer of agricultural products, such as rice and cassava, the local production of feed ingredients is not sufficient to meet demand, leading to reliance on imports. This dependency on global supply chains can make the sector vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
The industry also faces challenges related to environmental sustainability, with concerns about the overuse of antibiotics in animal feed and the environmental impact of large-scale livestock farming. However, the sector is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, such as improving feed efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing the nutritional value of feed products.
In summary, Vietnam’s animal feed production sector is a vital part of the agricultural and livestock industries, supporting the country’s growing demand for animal products. The industry continues to expand with investments in modern production technologies, but it faces challenges related to raw material imports and environmental sustainability. As the livestock sector grows, the animal feed industry is expected to remain an essential component of Vietnam’s food production system.
See also: Animal Feed Industry in Vietnam