The global essential oils and plant extracts for livestock market size was valued at USD 3.64 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 3.84 billion in 2025 to reach USD 6.38 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.35% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
Essential oils and plant extracts are increasingly incorporated into animal feed, becoming essential ingredients for improving the quality and nutritional value of feed, and boosting the health and performance of animals. These plant-derived compounds offer a natural alternative to synthetic additives, enhancing the overall well-being of livestock.
Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants, known for their distinctive scents, and are commonly used in aromatherapy, but they are also finding valuable applications in animal husbandry.
Plant extracts, such as capsicum, clover, and cinnamon, are rich in proteins, peptides, vitamins, microminerals, fatty acids, and oligosaccharides. These components contribute to improving animals' average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rates. Moreover, natural plant extracts are beneficial in reducing dairy farm odors and lowering overall feed costs, especially in dairy farming, where they enhance cattle's health and productivity.
As the demand for antibiotic-free animal products rises, government regulations, such as the U.S. and Europe's ban on antibiotics in animal feed, create significant opportunities for the increased use of plant-based feed additives. This shift supports the market's growth for alternative, sustainable solutions, aligning with the global trend toward more natural and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The growing demand for organic and antibiotic-free animal products is significantly shaping the global essential oils and plant extracts market for livestock. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing meat, dairy, and eggs produced without synthetic additives or antibiotics, driven by health awareness and environmental concerns.
To meet this demand, farmers are turning to essential oils like oregano and thyme, known for their antimicrobial and digestive benefits, as natural feed additives. Therefore, companies such as Delacon have reported increased adoption of their phytogenic solutions, which enhance livestock performance while aligning with organic farming standards, thus fueling the market growth.
The growing concern for animal health and nutrition is driving the demand for essential oils and plant extracts in livestock diets. Farmers and producers are shifting towards natural additives to improve animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use, and enhance productivity. A 2023 report by the FAO revealed that global feed additives sales, including plant-based products, rose by 8.5% annually, highlighting increased adoption.
This trend aligns with rising consumer demand for sustainable and antibiotic-free meat products, encouraging livestock producers to adopt healthier, natural feed supplements for long-term benefits.
Many farmers in emerging regions lack awareness of the benefits of natural additives and rely on traditional feeding methods. Limited access to training programs and educational resources further exacerbates this gap. Moreover, inadequate supply chain infrastructure makes sourcing high-quality plant extracts challenging and increases costs.
Without targeted efforts to improve awareness and build robust supply chains, the potential benefits of these products in improving animal health and productivity remain underutilized in these markets.
The development of customized formulations presents a significant opportunity in the global essential oils and plant extracts market for livestock. Tailored blends targeting specific livestock species, health challenges, and regional needs are gaining traction among producers.
The study found that these essential oils can enhance immune responses and improve meat quality in broilers. Such formulations allow producers to address unique challenges, such as climate-induced stress or disease prevalence in specific regions.
Moreover, advancements in precision livestock farming enable better analysis of animal health, paving the way for targeted solutions. This personalized approach not only improves livestock health and productivity but also aligns with growing demands for sustainable farming practices.
| Study Period | 2021-2033 | CAGR | 6.35% |
| Historical Period | 2021-2023 | Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 | Base Year Market Size | USD 3.64 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2033 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 6.38 Billion |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Asia-Pacific holds a significant share of the global essential oils and plant extracts for the livestock market, driven by the growing demand for natural and organic livestock products. Countries like China and India are seeing increased adoption of plant-based alternatives to enhance animal health and productivity. For instance, the rising awareness about sustainable livestock farming practices in India is boosting the demand for plant extracts as natural feed additives. Moreover, the region’s strong agricultural industry, combined with traditional farming practices, ensures a steady market for essential oils, especially in countries with large livestock populations.
North America is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing shift towards natural feed ingredients and healthier livestock practices. In the United States, regulations promoting the use of plant-based solutions are encouraging farmers to adopt these alternatives. Companies like Cargill have been expanding their range of natural additives for animal feed, reflecting a broader market trend toward sustainability and animal well-being. Moreover, the region's advanced agricultural technologies and consumer preferences for organic products are pivotal in driving this growth.
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The essential oils segment dominates the market due to their proven benefits in enhancing gut health and immunity in livestock. These oils, derived from plants, provide natural antimicrobial properties that help manage digestive disorders, promote healthy growth, and support immunity. With their high demand in cattle, poultry, and swine feed, essential oils contribute significantly to improving overall animal health, making them a key product for livestock nutrition.
The liquid form of essential oils and plant extracts is the dominant segment, offering easier integration into animal feed. This form allows for quick absorption, ensuring effective health benefits such as improving immunity and gut health. Liquid supplements are especially favored in poultry and swine feeds, where fast and efficient delivery of nutrients is crucial. They can also be easily mixed with water or feed, making them a convenient choice for livestock producers.
The gut health function leads the market as it directly impacts livestock growth, feed conversion, and overall health. Plant extracts and essential oils improve digestion and nutrient absorption in cattle, poultry, and swine. This function is critical for enhancing productivity, as healthy gut microbiota reduces the incidence of diseases, lowers stress, and boosts feed efficiency, contributing to improved yields and overall livestock well-being.
The cattle feed segment is the dominant livestock category, with increasing adoption of essential oils and plant extracts for promoting gut health and immunity. These products help enhance digestion, reduce inflammation, and support overall health in cattle, leading to better milk production and weight gain. As cattle farming requires high-quality feed for optimal productivity, the demand for plant-based supplements, particularly essential oils, is on the rise in this segment.
Aromatherapy applications lead the market due to their role in reducing stress and improving the overall well-being of livestock. Essential oils are commonly used in livestock care to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance recovery from illness or transport stress. These benefits are particularly noticeable in poultry and swine, where stress management is crucial for maintaining health and maximizing growth potential, making aromatherapy a popular application in livestock management.
Companies in the market are collectively focusing on developing innovative, sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for natural and plant-based additives in animal feed. They are working on enhancing the bioavailability and effectiveness of plant extracts and essential oils to improve livestock health, performance, and productivity. Moreover, there's a strong emphasis on research and development to optimize formulations that reduce reliance on synthetic ingredients, such as antibiotics and hormones.
Kemin Industries: Emerging Market Player in the Essential Oils and Plant Extracts for Livestock Market
Kemin Industries is an emerging player in the global essential oils and plant extracts market for livestock, focusing on enhancing animal health and nutrition. The company specializes in providing natural feed additives, including plant-based solutions, to improve livestock performance and sustainability.
Kemin is committed to developing innovative products that reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals, offering solutions like essential oils and plant extracts that support immunity, growth, and feed efficiency in animals. Their ongoing research and commitment to sustainable practices position them as a key player driving growth in the market.
As per our analyst, the global essential oils and plant extracts for the livestock market ispoised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing shift toward natural and sustainable feed additives. The rising consumer demand for antibiotic-free, organic animal products is prompting livestock producers to seek plant-based alternatives that support animal health and improve productivity.
Additionally, regulatory support, especially in markets like Europe and North America, where there are bans on antibiotics in animal feed, is expected to further accelerate the adoption of these plant-based solutions. Our analysts also predict that innovation in product formulations and growing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional feed additives will continue to drive market expansion in the coming years.
