CEO of the Brazilian Animal Feed Union, Sindirações, Ariovaldo Zani, stated that the country has reached a point where it can achieve greater production with less feed compared to last year. Zani attributed this progress to advancements in animal genetics along with feed additives improving feed conversion rates.

Ariovaldo Zani

Brazil’s feed production increased by 1.2% from 2022 to 2023, in line with the growth forecasted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for middle- to high-income countries. However, Ariovaldo Zani, CEO of Sindirações, the National Union of the Animal Feed Industry, stated, “The growth rate is what has decreased, not feed production.” This reflects the significant strides made in improving feed conversion efficiency, particularly in poultry and swine, allowing the Brazilian feed industry to increase productivity without a proportional rise in feed output.

According to the statement published on Sindirações' website, technological agents such as feed additives, combined with advances in animal genetics, have dramatically enhanced feed conversion rates. This has enabled Brazil to meet growing demand while maintaining or even reducing the need for increased feed production. Zani also noted, “Productivity — in particular, feed conversion — has increased to such an extent that we did not need to produce 100 million metric tons,” referencing his earlier projection for 2023, which is now expected to be met by 2024.

For 2024, Sindirações predicts a 2.6% growth rate, based on expectations from feed producers and animal protein producers across both domestic and export markets. Despite challenges such as a climatic catastrophe in Rio Grande do Sul and a Newcastle disease outbreak in the region, the industry has shown resilience. Zani remains confident, stating that feed production growth will likely stay above 2%.