KSA Animal Health Market Outlook to 2028

KSA Animal Health Market Overview

The Saudi Arabia animal health market is valued at USD 384 million, driven by the expansion of livestock farming and the rising trend of pet ownership. The Kingdoms focus on improving livestock productivity and preventing animal diseases has led to an increase in demand for veterinary pharmaceuticals and services. The markets growth is largely influenced by the livestock sector, as cattle, sheep, and poultry farming dominate the agricultural industry.

Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province are the key regions that dominate the market in Saudi Arabia. These regions lead the market due to their large populations of companion animals and well-established livestock farms. Riyadh has emerged as a hub for veterinary services and animal health solutions, driven by the city's economic strength and its role as a center for both agricultural and urban animal care.

MEWA has also initiated programs aimed at improving animal genetics and health. In 2024, the government invested SAR 3 billion in research and development for disease-resistant livestock breeds. These efforts are expected to improve the overall health of the livestock population, reducing the need for emergency veterinary care and increasing demand for preventive healthcare.

KSA Animal Health Market Segmentation

By Species: The market is segmented by species into companion animals and livestock animals. The livestock segment dominates the market due to the Kingdom's significant reliance on livestock for both food security and economic sustainability. Among livestock, poultry, cattle, and sheep are the most critical, as they form the backbone of the meat and dairy industries. Poultry has seen the largest market share due to its high consumption in local diets and substantial production growth driven by government subsidies and disease control measures.

By Product Type: The market in Saudi Arabia is segmented by product type into pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and feed additives. The pharmaceuticals segment dominates the market, accounting for the largest market share. This dominance can be attributed to the increasing need for medication to treat prevalent animal diseases and the growth of livestock farming. Veterinary antibiotics, anti-parasitics, and hormonal products are in high demand due to the efforts to increase productivity and manage disease outbreaks in livestock.

KSA Animal Health Market Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive, with both global and local players influencing the market dynamics. International companies dominate, largely due to their advanced R&D capabilities and strong product portfolios. However, local firms are increasingly gaining traction through partnerships and joint ventures.

Company Name

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Veterinary Portfolio

R&D Investment

Distribution Network

Global Presence

Local Market Strategy

Product Innovation

Partnerships

Boehringer Ingelheim

1885

Ingelheim, Germany

Zoetis

1952

Parsippany, NJ, USA

Merck Animal Health

1891

Rahway, NJ, USA

Almarai

1977

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Elanco Animal Health

1954

Greenfield, IN, USA

KSA Animal Health Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

Increased Focus on Livestock Productivity: In 2024, the Saudi Arabian government aims to boost livestock productivity to ensure food security, investing SAR 4.3 billion in modernizing farms and improving veterinary care. This substantial investment aligns with the Vision 2030 agenda, as the country relies heavily on animal agriculture. This initiative is expected to drive demand for veterinary pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tools, and animal healthcare services in KSA, creating growth opportunities in the animal health market.

Rising Demand for Meat and Dairy Products: As of 2024, Saudi Arabia is importing 1.5 million tons of meat annually due to a rise in consumption driven by population growth and changing dietary habits. This increase in meat and dairy consumption necessitates enhanced animal healthcare services, pushing livestock owners to invest more in vaccines, nutrition, and preventive care, boosting the markets growth.

Government Support for Animal Health Services: In 2024, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) launched a series of initiatives totaling SAR 2 billion to subsidize veterinary services and medicines for rural farmers. This support improves access to modern animal healthcare products and services, especially in remote areas, encouraging market expansion and driving growth in veterinary pharmaceuticals and equipment.

Market Challenges

Limited Local Production of Veterinary Medicines: In 2024, Saudi Arabia imports nearly 70% of its veterinary pharmaceuticals due to limited domestic manufacturing. This dependence on imports results in higher prices and potential supply chain disruptions. These factors present significant barriers for smaller livestock farmers who cannot afford high-cost veterinary services, slowing market growth.

Lack of Veterinary Professionals: As of 2024, there are only around 3,500 registered veterinarians in Saudi Arabia, a figure insufficient to meet the growing demand for animal healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas. This shortage hinders the ability to deliver timely and comprehensive care, impacting the overall development of the market and causing delays in veterinary treatments.

KSA Animal Health Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Saudi Arabian animal health industry is expected to see substantial growth, driven by increased demand for livestock products, rising pet ownership, and government initiatives to ensure food security. The Kingdoms Vision 2030 emphasizes improving agricultural sustainability and animal welfare, further fueling the demand for veterinary services and products.

Future Market Opportunities

Increased Focus on Preventive Healthcare: Over the next five years, Saudi Arabias animal health market will increasingly shift toward preventive healthcare. With government support and the rise in livestock and pet ownership, veterinary clinics and pharmaceutical companies will focus on prevention-based products and services such as regular vaccinations, nutritional supplements, and early disease detection methods, driven by ongoing investments in veterinary research.

Growing Demand for Organic and Natural Animal Health Products: By 2029, the demand for organic and natural veterinary medicines is expected to rise. This trend will be driven by consumer preferences for healthier livestock and pets, particularly in urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah. Veterinary pharmaceutical companies will likely invest in developing products free from synthetic chemicals and antibiotics, aligning with both global trends and local consumer demands.
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