The global animal genetics market is witnessing a major transformation driven by scientific innovation and rising demand for sustainable livestock production. Valued at USD 2.97 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 4.19 billion by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% during the forecast period.
This growth reflects the rapid adoption of genetic technologies, improved distribution systems in North America and Europe, and an accelerating global appetite for livestock-based food products. Genetic enhancement in animals — through advanced materials such as semen and embryos — is increasingly viewed as a strategic solution to meet the world’s rising demand for protein-rich diets, while ensuring sustainable, efficient food production.
Rising Demand for Livestock Productivity Fuels Market Momentum
As global population growth continues to strain food systems, breeding farms and animal food producers are embracing genetic innovations to enhance productivity, disease resistance, and reproductive efficiency. The focus is shifting toward genetically superior livestock capable of producing higher yields of milk, meat, and eggs under diverse environmental conditions.
Governments, agribusinesses, and private investors are channeling resources into genomic research and selective breeding programs, aiming to increase agricultural output without expanding land or resource use. This makes animal genetics not just a market opportunity but a critical enabler of food security and sustainable agriculture.
Segment Insights
- Bovine Genetics Segment to Record the Highest CAGR
Among all animal types, the bovine segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The surge in global dairy and beef consumption, coupled with technological advances in artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer, continues to boost investments in bovine genetic programs.
Countries with rapidly growing populations — particularly in Asia and Latin America — are scaling up efforts to improve herd genetics for better milk quality, meat yield, and disease resilience. Modern breeding tools allow precise identification of desirable traits, enabling more efficient herd management and sustainable livestock operations.
- Genetic Materials Lead the Products & Services Segment
By products and services, genetic materials (comprising semen and embryos) accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The semen subsegment dominates the category, driven by growing demand for genetically superior breeding stock that can deliver high conception rates and superior performance.
The rise in animal protein consumption, coupled with the widespread awareness of genetic improvement benefits, is reinforcing the adoption of advanced genetic materials. Technological progress in cryopreservation, genomic selection, and AI-based breeding programs further accelerates this growth trajectory.
Key companies such as Genus PLC (UK), Select Sires Inc. (US), and Urus (US) are pioneering innovations in bovine and swine genetics, focusing on advanced breeding solutions that ensure both productivity and sustainability.
- NGS Technology Emerges as the Backbone of Animal Genetic Research
Based on technology, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) accounted for the largest market share in 2023 and is poised to maintain its dominance through 2029. NGS enables high-throughput and cost-effective genetic analysis, offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying genetic traits, lineage information, and disease markers.
Its application spans whole-genome sequencing, SNP genotyping, and targeted genetic diagnostics, making it indispensable in veterinary research and breeding programs. The ability to decode complex genetic patterns empowers breeders to make informed decisions that improve animal health, fertility, and productivity.
As the livestock industry embraces precision breeding, the use of NGS in animal genomics is expanding rapidly. The trend reflects a broader shift toward data-driven livestock management where genomic insights guide breeding and disease-control strategies.
- Animal Farms Dominate End-User Segment
In 2023, animal farms accounted for the largest market share among end users. Rising global demand for high-yield and disease-resistant livestock has driven farms to adopt genomic selection, artificial insemination, and genetic testing at scale.
Modern farms are integrating genetic data analytics to select animals with optimal production traits, resulting in measurable gains in yield and profitability. In emerging economies, government subsidies and agri-tech investments are fostering modernization in livestock breeding and farm management.
Veterinary hospitals and research institutions also play an essential role in supporting genetic testing, disease surveillance, and advanced reproductive technologies. However, commercial farms remain the primary revenue drivers in the global animal genetics landscape.
- Europe Leads the Global Market
Europe held the largest regional market share in 2023, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. The region’s leadership is underpinned by strong research institutions, government-backed breeding programs, and stringent quality standards for livestock production.
European countries emphasize sustainable agriculture, with substantial R&D investments in genetic technologies that enhance both animal welfare and production efficiency. The continent’s growing demand for premium, traceable animal-derived food products continues to drive the use of advanced genetic tools.
In contrast, North America’s growth is propelled by technological innovation and commercial livestock enterprises, while Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, supported by expanding middle-class populations and government-led livestock modernization initiatives.
Competitive Landscape: Leading Players Reshaping Animal Genetics
The global animal genetics market is moderately consolidated, with key players focusing on innovation, genetic diversification, and international collaboration. Major companies include:
- Neogen Corporation (US)
- Genus PLC (UK)
- Urus (US)
- Select Sires Inc. (US)
- Groupe Grimaud (France)
- Genetic Technologies Limited (Australia)
- CRV Holding (Netherlands)
- Topigs Norsvin (Netherlands)
- Zoetis, Inc. (US)
- Vetgenomics SL (Spain)
- Quantum Genetix (Canada)
- DanBred P/S (Denmark)
- Tropical Animal Genetics (India)
- STgenetics (US)
- Semex (Canada)
- Superior Animal Genetics (India)
- Swine Genetics International (US)
- Cogent Breeding Ltd (UK)
These players are investing heavily in AI-integrated breeding technologies, genomic data platforms, and next-gen sequencing to maintain competitiveness and support sustainable food production systems.
Outlook: Genetic Innovation at the Core of Sustainable Livestock Development
The animal genetics market is on a path toward precision livestock farming, powered by genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular diagnostics. The shift from traditional breeding to data-driven genetic improvement marks a transformative step in global agriculture.
By 2029, the convergence of AI-driven genetic selection, NGS technology, and cross-species breeding programs is expected to redefine productivity benchmarks across the livestock industry. As sustainability becomes central to global food systems, animal genetics stands at the forefront of ensuring a resilient, efficient, and ethical future for animal agriculture.