LEXINGTON (Commodity Online): Asia ranks number one in world feed production, which is projected at around 305 million tons, while the global production will reach an estimated 873 million tons in 2011 compared to 717.6 mn tonnes in 2010. according to a global survey commissioned by Alltech.
In Asia, China is the leading producer with a total production of 175.4 million tons.
Europe follows Asia with 200 million; North America, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa round out the listing with 185 million, 125 million and 47 million respectively.
In terms of species, poultry feed now represents 44% of world feed, which may reflect the cost, health and religious preferences of this white meat. Ruminant feed is calculated at more than 220 million tons but this does not include a similar quantity of dry matter fed as silage or forage on farm. Pig, equine and pet feeds have not changed significantly, but aquaculture is the fastest growing feed sector, totaling nearly 30 million tons.
This new global estimate is quite significant, especially when compared to the 2010 WATT report, which indicated 717.6 million tons.
