Top 10 alternative protein sources transforming animal feed in Africa and the Middle East

Historically, livestock production relied heavily on grazing and locally available feed resources. As commercial poultry, aquaculture and livestock production expanded, producers increasingly turned to formulated feeds to achieve faster growth, better feed conversion and consistent production.

Protein has become one of the most critical ingredients in feed because it provides the amino acids animals need for muscle development, growth, reproduction, immunity, and overall health. In aquaculture and poultry, especially, protein is often the most expensive component of feed formulations.

For decades, soybean meal and fishmeal have dominated as the primary protein sources in animal feed. However, many countries in Africa and the Middle East remain heavily dependent on imports of these ingredients. This dependence exposes feed manufacturers to volatile global commodity prices, currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.

In many markets, feed accounts for between 60% and 80% of total production costs, making access to affordable protein a strategic issue for both farmers and feed manufacturers.

At the same time, growing concerns around sustainability, climate change, land use, overfishing and food security have accelerated the search for alternative protein sources. The adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further intensified efforts to develop feed ingredients that reduce environmental impact while supporting the growing demand for animal protein.

Today, governments, researchers, startups and feed manufacturers are investing heavily in alternative proteins that can be produced locally, require fewer resources and strengthen food system resilience.

The question is no longer whether alternative proteins will play a role in the future of animal feed, but which solutions are most likely to scale commercially.

Alternative proteins are gaining attention because they offer a way to reduce dependence on imported feed ingredients such as soybean meal and fishmeal, which are often subject to price volatility and supply disruptions. 

Many of these alternatives can be produced locally using fewer natural resources or by converting agricultural and food waste into valuable feed ingredients. As the industry pursues greater sustainability, food security and resilience, alternative proteins are increasingly being viewed as a practical solution for the future of animal feed.

1. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Protein

Produced by rearing black soldier fly larvae on organic waste, BSF protein is one of the most commercially advanced alternative proteins in Africa. The larvae rapidly consume the organic material and convert it into a nutrient-rich biomass that can be processed into protein meal and oil for animal feed. It offers a high-protein ingredient for poultry, aquaculture and livestock feed while helping reduce food waste. 

Companies such as InsectiPro, Sanergy and AgriProtein have helped drive adoption. While sustainable and locally producible, the sector still faces challenges around production scaling, regulation, and cost competitiveness. Continued investment and supportive policies could accelerate wider adoption.

"In 1 year, a single acre of black soldier fly can produce more protein than 130 acres of soy" – Insectipro

2. Single-Cell Protein

Single-cell protein is produced by cultivating microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or yeast in controlled fermentation systems. Once harvested and dried, the microbial biomass becomes a high-protein feed ingredient. It can provide a consistent source of protein without requiring large areas of agricultural land. 

The technology is attracting interest globally as feed manufacturers seek alternatives to soybean meal and fishmeal. Its main advantages are efficiency and a small environmental footprint. However, production costs remain high, and commercial adoption remains limited in many African and Middle Eastern markets. Greater investment and local production capacity will be key to growth.

3. Algae Protein

Algae protein is produced by growing microalgae in ponds, tanks, or photobioreactors, then harvesting and processing the biomass into feed ingredients. It requires less land than conventional crops and can be produced in areas unsuitable for agriculture. 

Algae also contains valuable nutrients that support animal health. Despite its sustainability benefits, large-scale production remains expensive and technically demanding. As cultivation technologies improve and costs decline, algae could become an important ingredient in future feed formulations.

4. Duckweed

Duckweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant with a relatively high protein content. It can be cultivated using nutrient-rich water and harvested within days, making it an attractive option for regions facing land constraints. Its low resource requirements support sustainability goals, while its rapid growth offers potential for local production. 

Challenges include maintaining consistent nutritional quality and scaling commercial operations. Further research and investment could improve its viability as a mainstream feed ingredient.

5. Yeast Protein

Yeast protein is produced through fermentation, in which yeast cultures are grown on sugars or other carbon sources, then harvested and processed into feed ingredients. Beyond its protein content, it can support gut health and immune function in livestock and aquaculture species. 

Production is less dependent on climate conditions than traditional crops, making it a reliable ingredient. However, manufacturing costs can limit competitiveness against conventional protein sources. Continued advances in fermentation technology may help make yeast protein more affordable and widely available.

6. Fermented Proteins

Fermented proteins are produced by using microorganisms to convert agricultural raw materials, sugars or other feedstocks into nutrient-rich protein ingredients. They offer a sustainable way to produce protein while reducing reliance on imported commodities. 

Interest in fermented proteins is growing as feed manufacturers seek more efficient production methods. The main barriers remain high capital requirements, technological complexity and limited production capacity in many developing markets. Increased investment could help unlock broader commercial adoption.

7.  Poultry By-Product Meal

Poultry by-product meal is produced by rendering and processing non-edible poultry parts into a concentrated protein ingredient. By utilising materials that might otherwise be discarded, it supports circular economy principles while providing a valuable feed resource. 

It is already widely used in animal feed and offers a cost-effective alternative to some imported proteins. Sustainability benefits stem from improved resource utilisation, though concerns around quality consistency and consumer perception remain. Strong processing standards are essential to maintain confidence in the ingredient.

8.  Canola Protein

Canola protein is produced during the processing of canola seeds, with the protein extracted from the meal remaining after oil production. The resulting ingredient can be incorporated into livestock, poultry and aquaculture feeds. It offers a plant-based alternative to soybean meal.

Its appeal lies in diversifying feed ingredient sources and reducing dependence on soy imports. However, supply remains limited in many African and Middle Eastern markets, and nutritional constraints can affect inclusion levels. Further improvements in breeding and processing could enhance its competitiveness.

9. Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

DDGS is produced as a co-product of ethanol production, in which grains such as maize are fermented to produce fuel. The remaining nutrient-rich material is dried and used in animal feed. It provides a practical way to utilise industrial by-products while supplying protein and energy.

Widely used in livestock diets, DDGS supports resource efficiency and waste reduction. However, availability depends on ethanol production levels and nutritional consistency can vary. Improved quality control and regional production could increase its role in feed formulations.

10. Azolla

Azolla protein comes from a fast-growing, floating fern cultivated in ponds and harvested for use as feed. The plant naturally fixes nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms, reducing the need for fertiliser inputs.

It can be cultivated with relatively low inputs and is particularly attractive for smallholder farmers seeking affordable feed alternatives. Its sustainability benefits include low land requirements and the ability to grow in diverse environments. 

However, large-scale commercialisation remains limited, and protein levels are lower than some competing alternatives. Better cultivation systems and processing technologies could improve its long-term potential.

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