In April 2025, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) launched the Feed-Saving Action Plan in Animal Husbandry to improve grain-use efficiency, lower feed costs, and support the sustainable development of the livestock sector. In April 2025, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) launched the Feed-Saving Action Plan in Animal Husbandry to improve grain-use efficiency, lower feed costs, and support the sustainable development of the livestock sector.
The policy outlines goals for significantly lowering the feed conversion ratio and optimizing feed formula structures by 2030. Key measures include promoting improved livestock and poultry breeds, advancing forage production and silage utilization, and accelerating the integration of precision feeding technologies.
Feed formulations and conversion ratios
The action plan emphasizes scientific feed formulation, the use of alternative feed resources, and the development of high-efficiency livestock breeds. It promotes the integration of feed and breeding management, encouraging innovation in both technologies and practices. The plan highlights the need to improve feed conversion ratios, especially for pigs and poultry, which are the main consumers of grain-based feed.
Replacing soybean meal
The initiative encourages the replacement of soybean meal with alternative protein sources such as fermented feeds, insect proteins, and by-products. It also supports the development of a circular agriculture model by utilizing agricultural residues and waste resources.
Forage crops and precision feeding
It also supports the development and use of forage crops, silage, and by-products from agriculture and food processing industries as substitutes for conventional grains like corn and soybeans. Special attention is given to balancing rations to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption, as well as promoting precision feeding systems.
Roadmap and support measures
The action plan outlines a phased approach, aiming to achieve initial results by 2025 and establish a long-term mechanism by 2030. It includes strengthening technical support systems, establishing demonstration farms, and enhancing monitoring and evaluation. In addition, it calls for stronger coordination among local governments, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
Media commentary
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that China is planning to reduce the proportion of grain in its animal feed to 60% and that of soybean meal to 10% by 2030. This strategy aligns with China’s broader goals of ensuring food security, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving agricultural sustainability.
It also has international implications by potentially altering global soybean trade flows in which China has been the largest importer for many years. The large soybean exporters like Brazil and US may have to find alternative customers to complement reduced demand from the Chinese market.
Full document
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 2025. 农业农村部办公厅关于印发《养殖业节粮行动实施方案》的通知 [Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Issuing the Feed-Saving Action Plan in Animal Husbandry]. Available at http://www.moa.gov.cn/govpublic/xmsyj/202504/t20250429_6473633.htm.
