Animal nutrition focuses on dietary needs of animals, chiefly those in food production and agriculture, however also in aquariums, zoos, and wildlife management. Animal nutrition is important for the productivity and health of agricultural animals. Various organizations and programs such as the National Animal Nutrition Program (NANP) serves as a medium to identify high-priority animal nutrition concerns. These organizations offers a systemic and integrated approach to assemble, collect, share, synthesize and publicize science-based information and educational tools on animal nutrition that increases high-priority research among agricultural species. Several governments are implementing systems that redefine the roles of industry and government in delivering safe nutrition to animals. In 2004, the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission approved a Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding. The manual gives complete and updated information and practical guidelines to help producers and stakeholders know about the production and distribution chain to comply with the regulatory framework.
Market Dynamics
Growing demand for safe and healthy animal food, restrictions on the use of antibiotics, increasing awareness among producers regarding animal health are major factors driving animal nutrition market growth. Global demand for food of animal origin, including eggs, fish, milk, and meat is also, increasing, in order to provide better nutrition to animals. According to Food and Agriculture Organization, global demand for animal derived-protein will double by 2050. Increasing consumption of animal products and livestock make a crucial contribution to the nutritional and economic wellbeing of millions of people across the globe. There has been an increasing pressure on the livestock sector to meet growing demand for high-value animal protein. Urbanization is a major driving factor supporting demand for livestock products due to improvements in infrastructure, including cold chains, which allow trade in fresh goods. According to Food and Agriculture Organization, in comparison to rural population, city population have a varied diet rich in animal fats and proteins, and characterized by higher consumption of poultry, meat, milk, and other dairy products.