Global Alfalfa Pellets Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Alfalfa Pellets Market Outlook

The global alfalfa pellets market size attained a value of USD 446.08 million in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2032, reaching almost USD 681.52 million by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), poultry meat is predicted to account for 41% of all protein derived from meat sources globally in 2030.

• Alfalfa pellets with about 17% crude protein provide animals with a nutritional value equivalent to mature alfalfa hay.

• World milk production is projected to grow to 997 Mt by 2029.

Alfalfa pellets are fed to animals as they are a great source of nitrogen, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It is regarded as a preferred feed option for cattle and poultry owing to its high fibre and nutritional content. Because of its high lysine content and well-balanced amino acid profile, alfalfa pellet is beneficial for pregnant and nursing horses. They enhance the ecological environment, contributing to sustainability. The uniform size and shape of alfalfa pellets allow animal owners to easily measure and mix them with other types of feed. This helps them accurately control portion size and ensures farmed animals receive an appropriate amount of nutrients in their diet.

Some of the factors driving the alfalfa pellets market growth are the growing focus on optimal nutrition of livestock, easy transportation offered by the pellets, growing demand for meat and dairy, and the demand for organic animal feed.

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Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for animal protein, expanding livestock population, and growing dairy production are factors increasing the alfalfa pellets market growth

Global Alfalfa Pellets Market Trends

According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook, the global meat supply is projected to reach 374 Mt by 2030. Further, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicts that global cattle production to increase to 2.6 billion by 2050. The growing demand for meat is raising the need to ensure animal health and productivity, thereby accelerating the alfalfa pellets market development. High-quality alfalfa pellets are a natural protein supplement for animals. Further, as poultry meat is more cost-effective than other meats, it is preferred in developing nations. In higher-income countries, white meats are gaining popularity since they are easier to cook and healthier than red meats.

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Market Segmentation

Global Alfalfa Pellets Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Alfalfa hay is expected to hold a significant market share as it is more widely cultivated

The alfalfa hay segment accounts for a large alfalfa pellets market share as it is a widely produced raw material. China and the United States are among the top alfalfa hay markets on a global scale. In 2022, alfalfa hay and alfalfa mix production in the USA totalled 47.958 million tons with an average yield of 3.22 tons per acre and a harvested area of 14.913 million acres. Spain, Canada, and South Africa are among the major sources of dehydrated alfalfa. In 2021, Spain exported a total of 109,200 tons of dehydrated alfalfa.

As per the alfalfa pellets market analysis, Timothy hay is widely cultivated in North America, the United Kingdom, and Asia. The primary production areas of timothy hay in the United States are Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Minnesota. Timothy hay has the presence of highly concentrated sources of fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring a balanced diet for the animal.

Meat/ dairy animal feed is expected to hold a significant alfalfa pellets market share owing to the global demand for animal protein

According to alfalfa pellets market insights, the meat/dairy segment is a crucial driver for alfalfa pellets. The pellets offer farmed animals high levels of protein, easily digestible fibre, and a rich array of essential vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa pellets are used as feed for livestock due to high crude protein content (13.5%-19.9%) and moisture content of 15%, with their nutritional value being much higher than alfalfa in raw form.

Alfalfa pellets serve as a nutritious equine feed, offering a good source of protein, fibre, and calcium. To enhance palatability, especially for older horses, these pellets are typically soaked before feeding.

According to alfalfa pellets market report, the substantial protein content and strong nutritional composition of alfalfa make it a preferred choice for pig farmers aiming to improve the health and quality of their swine. In 2022, pork accounted for the largest share of meat consumption globally with 112.54 MMT of pork consumed. In 2022, China accounted for the largest production of pork with around 55 million tonnes of pork output.

Alfalfa pellet also provides a valuable addition to a chicken's diet. It not only aids in egg production and yolk coloration but also significantly enhances meat quality and colour, facilitates chicken fattening, strengthens feathers, and promotes increased chicken activity, thus increasing the demand for alfalfa pellets.

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Competitive Landscape

Market players are increasing their collaborations and partnerships to stay ahead in the market.

Other key players in the alfalfa pellets market include Manzanola Feeds, LLC, Daurio Brothers Alfalfa Company, Sacate Pellet Mills, and AJD Agro Ltd., among others.

Global Alfalfa Pellets Market Analysis by Region

Europe is a prominent region due to a significant livestock population

The European region is anticipated to hold a dominant position in the alfalfa pellets market. In 2022, Europe was home to around 134 million pigs, and 70 million sheep and goats. Some prominent producers of alfalfa pellets in Europe are Désialis, Groupe Grasasa, Nafosa, Premium Pellets Spain, and Forcam. The demand for pellets is also driven by the rising demand for meat and dairy. For instance, the average meat consumption among Italians is 55 kg/per capita/year with pig, poultry, and cattle meat contributing to 46%, 27%, and 25%, respectively.

According to the alfalfa pellets market report, the North American regional market is driven by consumer dietary preferences and demand for animal protein. The United States has the most horse ownership among the world's population. In both 2020 and 2021, the country had a horse population of around 10.6 million animals, which was 18% of the global population of animals. Further, the country is home to around 700,000 ranches which are some of the largest consumers of alfalfa pellets in the country.

The Asia Pacific alfalfa pellets market is driven by rapid economic development and urbanisation which drives the demand for meat products. In 2022, the revenue from the meat sector accounted for USD 23.1 billion in South Korea. Further, India is the global leader in milk production with a share of around 22%.

Figure: Top 10 Milk Producing Countries in the World, 2023

Key Highlights of the Report

Alfalfa Pellets Market Report Snapshots

Alfalfa Pellets Market Size

Alfalfa Pellets Market Trends

Alfalfa Pellets Market Regional Analysis

Alfalfa Pellets Companies