Animal Genetics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Animal (Companion [Dogs, Cats] Livestock [Poultry, Porcine, Bovine]) Services (DNA Profile, Genetic Diseases, Traits) Sample Type (Blood, Tissue, Embryo), End User - Global Forecast to 2031

The Animal Genetics Market was valued at $5.84  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $9.12  billion by 2031, from an estimated $6.15  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Animal Genetics Market Size & Forecast

The Animal Genetics Market is expected to reach $9.12 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031. The expansion of this market is propelled by a surge in demand for precision breeding methods to enhance the health and productivity of livestock and companion animals. Additionally, there is a growing awareness among farmers and pet owners regarding the advantages of genetic testing for diagnosing infectious diseases. The increasing adoption of advanced genomic technologies in both livestock and companion animal sectors further contributes to market growth. Government initiatives and funding support for animal genetic research and development also play a significant role.

Moreover, the rise in the prevalence of genetic diseases in animals and the emergence of markets with expanding populations of livestock and pets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, offer lucrative growth opportunities. Additionally, the development of portable and cost-effective genetic testing solutions for on-farm and near-animal applications is anticipated to drive market expansion further.

Animal Genetics Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Genetic Diseases & Importance of Studying Genetic Susceptibility in Animals

Being able to predict genetic diseases is crucial for controlling their occurrence and spread, especially in animals. Predictive measures inform breeding decisions, helping to minimize the transmission of defective genes. In pet animals, common genetic diseases like cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and congenital heart anomalies pose significant risks. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, roughly 25% of dogs will experience neoplasia, and nearly half of those over ten years old will develop cancer.

In livestock, susceptibility to diseases, including infectious ones, is largely determined by genetic factors. For example, Teagasc Agriculture and Food Development Authority's research in Ireland found that 47% of cows were susceptible to liver fluke infections based on their genetic makeup. This underscores the importance of genetic testing in assessing disease susceptibility in animals. By identifying genetic predispositions to diseases, farmers can implement preventive measures to control or mitigate their impact, reducing production losses.

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Increasing Demand for Precision Breeding Techniques to Improve Livestock and Companion Animal Health and Productivity

Genetic diversity, which encompasses variations in allele frequencies and combinations among different breeds of farm animal species, profoundly impacts animal production and health. Precision breeding techniques leverage genetic information to inform breeding decisions and manipulate animal genetics to achieve desired traits or outcomes. Farmers and breeders increasingly seek methods to enhance operational efficiency, including improving livestock health, productivity, and profitability.

Precision breeding offers a targeted approach by selecting animals with favorable genetic traits such as disease resistance, high milk production, or rapid growth rates. This approach is motivated by factors such as the growing importance of animal breeding as an economic driver, shifting environmental conditions, and increased demand for high-quality meat products.

To facilitate informed breeding decisions, animal genetic tests are conducted to elucidate genes associated with specific traits or animal genomics. Consequently, the rise of precision breeding is anticipated to drive the adoption of genetic testing among farmers and animal breeders.

Animal Genetics Market Trends

Molecular Breeding Such as CRISPR/Cas9 for Making Precise Modifications in Livestock Genomes

The emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized modern animal husbandry by offering an efficient, precise, cost-effective, and straightforward method for breeding. This technology is instrumental in studying target genes and addressing new challenges in genetic breeding, animal health, production performance, and its implications for human health in contemporary animal husbandry.

Advancements in technology have propelled gene editing and molecular breeding to the forefront, surpassing traditional breeding methods like multi-generation hybridization and artificial selection. CRISPR/Cas9 enables accurate deletion, integration, and replacement of genes across various livestock species. It facilitates the insertion of desired traits and the acquisition of disease-resistant genes from other species. It breaks reproductive barriers, thereby reducing the time and costs associated with long-term breeding efforts and expediting the breeding process.

Consequently, the adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 in livestock genomes has spurred the demand for innovative genetic approaches for high-quality breeding, driving the need for solutions in animal genetic testing.

Development & Identification of Novel Genetic Biomarkers for Early Detection and Prevention of Infectious Diseases in Animals

The emergence of new biomarkers and genomic tools holds promise for enhancing animal health by facilitating swift disease diagnosis, continual health monitoring, and heightened production efficiency. Numerous research initiatives aim to bolster the sustainability of animal species through sequencing, enhancing adaptability to varying environmental conditions like climate change, diseases, pests, and optimizing the microbiome.

The uptake of genomics in agriculture, known as agri-genomics, is on the rise. This advancement allows researchers to swiftly pinpoint genetic markers associated with desirable traits, empowering informed decisions in breeding practices. Furthermore, the discovery of novel genetic biomarkers empowers veterinary professionals to promptly diagnose infections in both pets and livestock. However, it's worth noting that most veterinary biomarkers are still in their nascent stages of development and are not yet poised for clinical application.

Animal Genetics Market Opportunity

Emerging markets with growing livestock and pet populations, such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America

The agriculture and animal husbandry sectors stand as significant contributors, if not the primary ones, to the substantial share of total GDP in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. These regions heavily rely on the export and consumption of meats, resulting in large livestock populations. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Asia housed approximately 674.3 million cattle and buffaloes in 2022, while South America had around 385.6 million.

To uphold the quality of exported products and enhance production, early disease detection and precision breeding practices based on genetic traits necessitate genetic testing for informed decision-making. Consequently, the substantial livestock population coupled with extensive export activities of animal-derived products in these regions are anticipated to foster growth opportunities for entities offering animal genetic testing services.   

Animal Genetics Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Testing Services: In 2024, the Genetic Disease Testing Segment to Dominate the Animal Genetics Market

Based on testing services, the animal genetics market is segmented into DNA profile testing, genetic traits testing, genetic disease testing, and other testing services. In 2024, the genetic traits testing segment is expected to account for the largest share of 45.1% of the animal genetics market. The significant market share of this segment is attributed to the rising animal precision and cross-breeding practices for maximum production traits in farm animals, the rising need for the identification of traits such as amount of milk and high muscle mass-related genes in livestock, and the growing adoption of genetic testing to identify ancestry and authenticity of breeds in pets majorly in dogs by the breeders and associations.

However, the genetic disease testing segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 6.7% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is driven by the high prevalence of infectious diseases in livestock with a risk of causing an outbreak, high expenditure by pet parents on pet health, and the high prevalence of metabolic disorders such as cancer, hip dysplasia, and heart disorders.

By Animal Type: In 2024, the Livestock Segment to Dominate the Animal Genetics Market  

Based on animal type, the animal genetics market is segmented into companion animals, livestock, and other animals.

In 2024, the companion animals segment is expected to account for the largest share of 51.7% of the animal genetics market. The significant market share of this segment is attributed to the growing pet population globally, rising expenditure on pet health, growing demand for pet breeding and purebreds leading to ancestry testing in companion animals, majorly in dogs, and growing genetic modifications in dogs due to selective breeding. 

Similarly, the companion animal segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 6.6% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is driven by the rising demand for testing from pet animal breeders, the increase in companion animal disease testing for early and rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, growing importance of the genetic susceptibility of an animal towards an infectious disease.

By Sample Type: In 2024, the Blood Segment to Dominate the Animal Genetics Market

Based on sample type, the animal genetics market is segmented into blood, tissue, semen, embryo, and other sample types. In 2024, the blood segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. Blood serves as a prevalent source of DNA for genetic testing in animals due to its relative purity and ability to collect large quantities. In canine genetic testing, blood samples or cheek swabs are commonly utilized. Although cheek swabs are convenient to obtain, the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from them may fluctuate based on factors such as the type of swab used and the cleanliness of the dog's mouth. In contrast, blood samples consistently yield higher quality and quantity of DNA, ensuring the retrieval of pure genetic samples and the generation of accurate results.

The blood segment is expected to grow at a faster CAGR during the forecast period 2024-2031. The significant growth of this segment is attributed to advantages such as easy availability of samples, ease in bloodline (parentage) testing, internationally accepted for animal genetic testing, and its use in profiling to identify cattle in theft cases.

By End User: In 2024, the Animal Breeders Segment to Dominate the Animal Genetics Market

Based on end user, the animal genetics market is segmented into veterinary hospitals and clinics, animal breeders, academic & research institutes, and pet owners.

In 2024, the animal breeders segment is expected to account for the largest share of the animal genetics market. The significant market share of this segment is attributed to increased demand for animal genetic testing from animal breeders to produce high-quality livestock, increasing animal disease outbreaks, the need for improved immunity in animals, and the rise in animal traits testing from animal breeders to produce different colors.

Similarly, the animal breeders segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period of 2022–2031. Rising demand for genetically superior breeds of dogs as pets, rising involvement of pets in competitions, and growing adoption of genetics tests to check for traits for cross-breeding of livestock are the factors driving the market growth.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 34.2% of the animal genetics market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. In North America, the U.S. accounted for the largest share in 2024. The significant market share of the U.S. can be attributed to several key factors, including the increased benefits and convenience of animal genetic testing, the presence of key market players, an increase in the adoption of genetic approaches for animal breeding, and a robust animal healthcare infrastructure in the country.

Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate of 6.8% due to significantly growing markets such as India and China. The growth of this market is attributed to the large amounts of animal-derived products, large base of livestock, rising production and consumption of dairy products, rising awareness regarding animal health, and growing pet adoption in the countries.

Animal Genetics Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, financial growth, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the animal genetics market are Animal Genetics, Inc. (U.S), Zoetis Inc. (U.S), Mars Petcare (Part of Mars, Incorporated) (U.S.), Embark Veterinary, Inc. (U.S.), Neogen Corporation (U.S.), Basepaws Inc., LABOKLIN GMBH & CO.KG (Germany), Generatio GmbH (Germany), Vetgen LLC (U.S.), FarmLab Diagnostics (Ireland) and EasyDNA (Part of Genetic Technologies Limited) (U.S.).

Animal Genetics Market Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In October 2022, Embark Veterinary, Inc. (U.S.) launched Age Test, the first of its first-of-its-kind product in the dog DNA industry. The test uses the cutting-edge field of epigenetics to study how genes work when the dog is born.
• In May 2022, Neogen Corporation (U.S.) and Gencove, Inc. (U.S.), a low-pass whole genome sequencing and analysis software company, launched InfiniSEEK, a cost-effective and innovative solution for whole genome sequencing and genotyping solutions for cattle breeders.
• In June 2022, Zoetis Inc. (U.S.) entered into an agreement with Basepaws Inc. (U.S.), a petcare genetics company, to enhance its portfolio in the precision animal health space.

Animal Genetics Market Research Summary:

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