South America has emerged as a global powerhouse in the feed industry, driven by its thriving agricultural base, expanding livestock and aquaculture sectors, and growing demand for high-quality animal products. As the world’s leading exporter of agricultural commodities like soybeans and corn—key raw materials for feed production—the region boasts a robust supply chain that supports both domestic consumption and international trade.

The livestock sector, dominated by cattle ranching in Brazil and Argentina, and poultry farming across the Andean region, accounts for over 60% of the continent’s feed demand. Meanwhile, aquaculture has become a fast-growing segment, with South American white shrimp farming flourishing in coastal areas of Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, creating urgent needs for specialized feed solutions. Pet ownership has also surged in urban centers like São Paulo and Buenos Aires, fueling demand for premium pet feed with functional benefits. Amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny of synthetic additives and rising consumer preference for natural, sustainable products, plant-based feed additives have become the most sought-after solutions in the South American market.

Key Hot Feed Additive Ingredients in South America

South American cattle and poultry often face liver stress from high-concentrate diets, environmental toxins, and metabolic disorders. Milk thistle extract stimulates liver cell regeneration and enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing oxidative damage by up to 40% . In Brazilian feed trials, adding 150-300 mg/kg of milk thistle extract to broiler diets improved feed conversion ratio by 12% and reduced mortality rates associated with fatty liver syndrome by 28%. For dairy cows in Argentina, it has been shown to boost milk production by 8-10% while improving milk fat and protein content by supporting overall metabolic health . Its natural origin aligns with South America’s emphasis on "clean farming," making it a top choice for brands targeting premium meat and dairy markets.

In pig and poultry farms across Brazil, yucca extract reduces ammonia levels in barns by up to 50% by inhibiting urease activity, the enzyme responsible for converting urea to ammonia. This not only improves animal welfare by reducing respiratory stress but also enhances farm sustainability by minimizing environmental pollution. In aquaculture, particularly in Colombian tilapia farms, yucca saponins act as natural antimicrobials, suppressing pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial gut flora. For ruminants in Uruguay, it improves nutrient absorption by modulating rumen fermentation, increasing protein utilization efficiency by 15-20% and supporting weight gain. Its compatibility with various feed formulations has made it a staple additive across multiple animal sectors.

South American white shrimp farmers face significant losses from bacterial and viral diseases, exacerbated by high stocking densities. Eucommia extract enhances shrimp immunity by activating immune-related enzymes and increasing antibody production, reducing mortality from common pathogens like Vibrio parahaemolyticus by 35-40%. In Ecuadorian shrimp farms, adding 200-400 mg/kg of eucommia extract to feed has been shown to increase shrimp weight gain by 22% and reduce feed conversion ratio to 1.25, a significant improvement from traditional formulations . It also improves water quality by reducing shrimp waste excretion, aligning with the region’s push for eco-friendly aquaculture practices. As demand for sustainably farmed shrimp grows globally, eucommia has become a key ingredient for South American exporters seeking competitive advantages.