The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has released its latest report detailing feed ingredient consumption across the United States for 2023. The comprehensive analysis offers insights into the feed consumption patterns of major livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species, highlighting the critical role of the feed industry in supporting animal agriculture.
Total Feed Consumption
In 2023, U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species consumed approximately 283.6 million tons of feed. This figure underscores the substantial demand for feed ingredients necessary to sustain the nation’s animal agriculture sector.
Feed Consumption by Species
The report provides a breakdown of feed consumption by species, revealing the following data:
- Beef Cattle: 76.7 million tons
- Broilers: 61.5 million tons
- Hogs: 60.9 million tons
- Dairy Cattle: 48.7 million tons
- Egg-Laying Hens: 17.7 million tons
- Turkeys: 10.9 million tons
- Horses: 5.3 million tons
- Sheep and Goats: 1.2 million tons
- Aquaculture: 615,800 tons
These figures highlight the diverse feed requirements across different animal sectors, with beef cattle leading in total feed consumption.
Top Feed Ingredients
The analysis identified the most utilized feed ingredients by weight:
- Corn: 159.4 million tons
- Soybean Meal: 35.4 million tons
- Corn Distillers’ Dried Grains: 32.6 million tons
- Wheat Middlings: 5.6 million tons
- Canola Meal: 5.2 million tons
Corn remains the predominant component in animal feed, reflecting its importance in livestock nutrition.
Utilization of Circular Ingredients
A notable aspect of the report is the emphasis on “circular” ingredients—co-products or by-products from the human food industry or other industrial processes. These ingredients, which might otherwise be discarded, constituted approximately 37% of the total feed consumption (excluding harvested forages and roughages). This practice not only enhances sustainability by reducing waste but also provides a cost-effective feed source.
Geographical Distribution
The report also highlights the top five states in terms of feed ingredient consumption in 2023:
- Iowa: 29.1 million tons (primarily for hogs, beef cattle, and egg-layers)
- Texas: 24.4 million tons (primarily for beef cattle, dairy cattle, and broilers)
- Nebraska: 17.3 million tons (primarily for beef cattle and hogs)
- North Carolina: 15.5 million tons (primarily for hogs, broilers, and turkeys)
- Kansas: 15.3 million tons (primarily for beef cattle, hogs, and dairy cattle)
These states play a pivotal role in the nation’s animal agriculture, with significant feed consumption supporting robust livestock and poultry industries.
Implications for the Swine Industry
For stakeholders in the swine industry, the report offers valuable insights:
- Feed Demand: Hogs consumed 60.9 million tons of feed in 2023, indicating a substantial demand for feed ingredients within the swine sector.
- Ingredient Utilization: The reliance on key ingredients such as corn and soybean meal underscores the importance of these commodities in swine nutrition formulations.
- Sustainability Practices: The significant use of circular ingredients highlights opportunities for swine producers to incorporate sustainable practices by utilizing co-products, potentially reducing feed costs and environmental impact.
Understanding these consumption patterns can aid swine producers, feed manufacturers, and industry stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding feed formulation, ingredient sourcing, and sustainability initiatives.
For a more detailed exploration of the data and to access interactive resources, visit IFEEDER’s official website.
