Introduction to Broken Rice in Vietnam’s Animal Feed Sector

Broken rice is a versatile and energy-rich byproduct of rice milling widely used in animal feed across poultry, pigs, cattle, aquaculture, and pets. Vietnam, one of the world’s largest rice producers, offers abundant and affordable broken rice, which makes it a key ingredient for domestic feed manufacturers and export markets alike. Its high starch content, low fiber, and balanced nutrient profile help optimize growth, feed efficiency, and overall livestock performance.

- Highly digestible, providing rapid energy for monogastric and ruminant animals

- Affordable alternative to imported grains such as corn and wheat

- Widely available due to Vietnam’s consistent rice production

Between 2025 and 2035, broken rice demand is expected to grow steadily as livestock production expands, feed manufacturing modernizes, and sustainable feed practices gain prominence.

 

Functional Role of Broken Rice in Animal Nutrition

Broken rice plays a functional role in supporting animal growth and health. Its digestible carbohydrates provide quick energy, while its protein, vitamins, and minerals contribute to overall performance and well-being.

 

Energy and Digestibility

- Rapid starch-to-glucose conversion supports growth and weight gain

- Low fiber content reduces digestive strain, especially for young animals

- Provides rumen-stable energy in cattle diets, enhancing fiber digestion

 

Growth and Health Support

- Protein content supports muscle development in pigs and poultry

- Unsaturated fats aid metabolic and nervous system health

- Vitamins B1 and E promote appetite, immunity, and egg/milk production

- Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium improve growth, milk yield, and body conditioning

 

Broken Rice Market Demand Drivers (2025–2035)

Several factors are driving the growing use of broken rice in Vietnam’s feed sector. Expanding livestock production, cost-efficiency requirements, and sustainability initiatives all support higher adoption rates.

Livestock and Aquaculture Expansion

- Poultry and swine remain dominant, requiring high-energy feeds for growth

- Aquaculture growth, especially fish and shrimp, increases demand for digestible carbohydrate sources

- Modern farming practices favor consistent and reliable feed ingredients

Cost Optimization and Feed Efficiency

- Broken rice reduces feed costs by up to 15% compared with imported grains

- Easy to grind, pellet, or mash, improving feed manufacturing efficiency

- Stable domestic supply reduces dependence on volatile global grain markets

Sustainability and Circular Economy

- Converts rice milling byproducts into valuable feed

- Reduces environmental impact from rice straw burning

- Supports eco-friendly production practices in line with global trends

 

Projected Broken Rice Demand by Sector (2025–2035)

Broken rice is expected to see steady growth across all major feed sectors, with poultry and swine as the largest consumers and aquaculture showing the fastest relative growth.

Poultry : Broken rice inclusion typically ranges from 20–40% in broiler and layer diets

Swine : Inclusion rates range from 20–50%, especially in post-weaning and fattening diets

Cattle: Used in variable inclusion levels for energy supplementation

Aquaculture: Inclusion ranges from 10–30% for fish and shrimp feeds

Pet Feed: Low-to-moderate inclusion for digestible carbohydrate content

 

Broken Rice Market Trends and Opportunities

Vietnam’s broken rice market is influenced by both domestic feed demand and regional trade dynamics. Its abundance and affordability make it a preferred ingredient for commercial feed manufacturers.

- Stable Supply: Vietnam produces around 27 million tons of milled rice annually, yielding significant quantities of broken rice for feed use.

- Export Opportunities: Surplus broken rice can supply neighboring Asia-Pacific countries facing feed shortages.

- Feed Innovation: Pelletized, mash, and crumble feeds incorporating broken rice improve digestibility and feed conversion efficiency.

- Sustainability Advantage: Promotes circular economy practices and aligns with environmental and global sustainability goals.

 

Challenges in Vietnam’s Broken Rice Market

Despite its advantages, several factors can impact broken rice usage and market growth.

- Price Vilatility: Global grain prices and domestic rice market fluctuations may affect feed costs.

- Competition from Alternative Grains: Corn, wheat, and other carbohydrate sources remain widely used in feed formulations.

- Logistics Constraints: Smaller feed producers may face difficulties securing consistent quantities of broken rice.

- Quality Variation: Differences in milling byproducts can lead to inconsistent digestibility and nutrient content.

 

Market Forecast 2025–2035

Vietnam’s broken rice market is expected to grow at a steady 3–5% CAGR, driven by increasing livestock and aquaculture production, rising domestic protein demand, and sustainable feed practices.

- 2025–2030: Moderate growth in feed production, with broken rice inclusion increasing in poultry, swine, and aquaculture diets. Prices expected between $370–$420/ton depending on quality.

- 2030–2035: Continued growth in livestock and aquaculture sectors supports stable demand. Higher inclusion rates and precision feed formulations may slightly increase consumption.

Broken rice will continue to play a critical role in cost-efficient, sustainable, and high-performance feed formulations across Vietnam.

 

Conclusion

Broken rice is a nutritious, cost-effective, and eco-friendly feed ingredient for livestock, aquaculture, and pets. Its digestible energy, balanced nutrient profile, and wide availability make it indispensable in Vietnam’s feed industry. From 2025 to 2035, broken rice demand is expected to grow steadily, supported by rising protein consumption, sustainable feed practices, and modernization of the feed sector. Vietnam will remain a key supplier of high-quality broken rice, ensuring its continued importance in regional and domestic feed markets.