January 2, 2014

The global animal feed antioxidant market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.07% over 2012-2016, driven by increasing concern about animal health and feed safety.

According to the 'Global Animal Feed Antioxidants Market 2012-2016' report, one of the key drivers contributing to the growth of this market is the growing concerns about animal health and safety. Factors such as the increase in the use of antibiotics in animal feed in the recent past and its consequence on meat consumers have raised concerns over the effects on human health. Owing to this reason, acceptable daily intakes of antioxidants have been established to counter the use of antibiotics.

Further, the report states that the global animal feed antioxidants market has also been witnessing an increasing demand for natural antioxidants.

An analyst from the team said, "With the increasing demand for naturally processed meat from consumers, the animal feed industry has been increasingly demanding that natural antioxidants be used in the feed. Research studies have found extracts from plants and natural compounds to be very helpful in improving the quality of meat. It has also been found that extracts of various herbs and spices have high antioxidant capacity."

He illustrated that, "For instance, some plants from the Lamiaceae species are reported to have a high antioxidant capacity. Essential oil found in the phenolic compound content of these plants is also reported to have a high antioxidant capacity. Natural antioxidants are used in some stages of the meat production process as such antioxidants are reported to improve the shelf life of meat and improve its quality. Therefore, the increasing demand for natural antioxidants is an emerging trend that is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the Global Animal Feed Antioxidants market."

Feed antioxidants, with the function of shelf-life extenders, protect deterioration of other feed nutrients in the feed such as fats, vitamins, pigments and flavouring agents. They thus help to improve animal health and performance.

One of the key challenges to the growth of this market, however, is the impact of livestock production on global warming. The increase in livestock production across the world increases greenhouse gas emissions such as methane gas emissions and carbon dioxide emissions.

Currently, key suppliers of antioxidant in the market include Adisseo France S.A.S., BASF SE, Danisco A/S, and Novozymes A/S.