Production of compound feed in Germany increased by 640,000 tonnes, reaching 22.5 million tonnes in the past year—a 2.9% rise compared to the previous year, according to the German Association for Animal Nutrition (DVT).
Pig feed alone accounts for 37% of total feed production in Germany.
Feed production overview
Although German feed production remains below the record 24.2 million tonnes achieved in 2020, recent figures show steady growth across several categories.
Pig feed production reached 8.4 million tonnes, up 1.5% from the previous period. While the number of fattening pigs declined, this was offset by an increase in young pigs. Overall, pig feed continues to account for 37% of total feed production.
Cattle feed production increased by 250,000 tonnes to 6.7 million tonnes, while poultry feed exceeded 6.5 million tonnes—an increase of 1.8% year-on-year.
Revenue and mineral feed production
German feed producers achieved a total turnover of just over €8.4 billion. Of this, pig feed contributed €2.8 billion, poultry feed accounted for almost €2.5 billion, and feed for cattle generated just over €1.9 billion.
Production of mineral feed also grew, reaching 644,000 tonnes—an increase of 5.3%. The largest portion was mineral feed for cattle, which rose by 5.5% to 427,000 tonnes. Mineral feed for pigs also increased, up 4.1% compared to the previous period.
Geopolitical challenges affecting the feed industry
According to DVT’s annual review, the economic conditions of the feed industry are increasingly influenced by geopolitical developments. International conflicts and political tensions are affecting energy prices, as well as disrupting logistics and supply chains.
President Cord Schiplage emphasises: “In particular, products manufactured in Asia and transported to Europe via international maritime trade routes could be affected by delays or price increases in the event of a further escalation. For compound feed manufacturers, this adds to the additional uncertainty in the supply of important additives such as vitamins or amino acids.”
Like other animal feed organisations, DVT too asks the EU Commission to increase the attractiveness of production in Europe. Schiplage: “A shortage of vitamins or amino acids can impact animal health, lower the performances and reproduction and jeopardize for a long time the European production of animal food products.”
