NARA’s research arm, The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), in collaboration with The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), has released a groundbreaking new report detailing U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed consumption. View the results here.
This study, conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), provides key insights into feed ingredient use across major animal species and the role of sustainable, circular ingredients in the industry.
Key Findings from the Report
The study analyzed feed consumption in 2023 and found that U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species consumed a total of 283.6 million tons of feed. The top consumers were:
- Beef cattle – 76.7 million tons
- Broilers (chickens raised for meat) – 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 species (e.g., catfish, trout) – 615,800 tons
The Role of Circular Ingredients in Sustainable Feed
One of the most significant findings of the report is the role of circular ingredients, which are byproducts from the human food industry or other industrial processes that would otherwise go to waste. These sustainable materials made up 37% of total feed consumption, underscoring their importance in reducing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency.
Rendered products, which are derived from animal byproducts, play a crucial role in the circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use, reducing waste, and lowering carbon footprints. However, the study revealed a shift in ingredient usage:
- Circular ingredient consumption has declined 3.7% since 2019
- Non-circular ingredient use has increased by 7.6%
- Animal byproduct meal usage has decreased by 25%
- Fats and oils usage has decreased by 39%
The Importance of Data-Driven Sustainability
NARA and FPRF President and CEO, Kent Swisher, emphasized the importance of accurate production data for the rendering industry. “Circular ingredients, like rendered products, play a crucial role in reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and supporting a more sustainable food chain. By embracing data-driven insights, we can further highlight the environmental and economic benefits of rendering.”
As sustainable materials such as used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats continue to contribute to the feed industry, the report highlights the need for continued support of circular ingredients to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
For a deeper dive into the findings, the full report is available here.
