The global market for feed phosphates, in terms of revenue, was estimated to be worth $4,620.3 million in 2013 and is expected to reach $5,328.3 million by 2018, growing at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9 per cent, according to a report from MarketsandMarkets.

Leading manufacturers are focusing on expansion of their feed phosphate business across regions and setting up new plant so as to increase production capacity as well as strengthen their product line. Prominent industry participants are involved in acquisitions to penetrate untapped markets.

The demand driving factors of the feed phosphate market are industrialisation in pork and poultry businesses, increasing meat production, and awareness of proper supplemental diet for animals, according to the report.

Crucial restraints of the industry are the increasing cost of phosphate and unavailability of phosphate reserves. However, the increasing use of feed products is creating opportunities for the feed phosphate grades. Environmental concerns and regulatory ban over some harmful additives are other opportunities for animal feed additives. The manufacturers are developing innovative production techniques to increase production capacity and make it cost-efficient.

The report, Feed Phosphate Market by Type (Dicalcium phosphate, Monocalcium phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate, Defluorinated phosphate & Others), by Livestock (Swine, Cattle, Poultry, Aquatic Animals & Others), by Geography - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2018, defines and segments the global feed phosphate market with analysis and projection of the global revenue for the market. It also identifies the driving and restraining factors in the global market with analysis of trends, opportunities, burning issues, winning imperatives, and challenges.

The market is segmented and revenue is projected on the basis of main regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The key countries are covered and their market is forecasted for each region. The market is segmented and revenue is forecasted on the basis of types, livestock, and geography.

Feed phosphates are nutritive supplements which are added as a source of calcium and phosphorus in the diet of animals. They are used for various purposes such as to enhance the growth of the animals, by strengthening bones of animals, efficient functioning of nervous system, improving metabolism, and improving digestibility of feed. Thus, feed phosphates added so as to result in healthy livestock, which are used for consumption as meat and breeding.

The important feed phosphates discussed are dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, mono-dicalcium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate, according to the report. These feed phosphates are supplemented with the feed in varying quantities, depending on the livestock as well as the surrounding environment, and the animals' nutritive needs.