The overall feed non-protein nitrogen market is expected to grow from USD 1.32 billion in 2015 to USD 1.65 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2015 to 2020. Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is a component used as an alternative for proteins. The types of non-protein nitrogen used as feed are urea (coated urea, other urea), ammonia, and others (monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, and biuret). The animal system requires protein in order to acquire nitrogen and non-protein nitrogen supplies for their overall well-being.
Feed costs are higher when associated with the production of milk and meat. Therefore, the use of non-protein nitrogen helps ruminant growers as it is inexpensive, compared to natural sources of proteins.
The base year considered for the study is 2014, and the forecast has been provided for the period between 2015 and 2020.
Market Dynamics
Drivers
- Increasing demand for animal products
- Easy availability
- Cost-effectiveness
- R&D activities in the feed industry
Restraints
- Regulatory structures
- Toxicity of urea in ruminants
Opportunities
- Emerging markets: New growth frontier
- Technological advancement
Challenges
- Not recommended by nutritionist
High preference of protein as compared to other sources of feed drives the global feed non-protein nitrogen market
Livestock producers are aware of the fact that urea is the most common source of non-protein nitrogen in feed; it contains 46.7% nitrogen compared to 16% for most protein. Feed that contains urea has several positive impacts as compared to natural sources even in adverse conditions. It has several benefits related to body weight, growth rate, and also results in higher milk yields of livestock. Urea is found to be a source of readily available carbohydrates, helps in easy solubility of proteins, and provides an adequate supply of minerals. These are factors that accelerate urea utilization in ruminants. According to the Colorado State University, 281% of protein can be obtained from 13.5 pounds of urea, whereas 86.5 pounds of corn or similar grains are required to obtain the same amount of protein in the ruminant. Due to this advantage, livestock producers are showing a gradual shift from natural protein sources to non-protein nitrogen.
Food&farming 