Higher feed costs are increasing concerns over the affordability of balanced starter diets, as poultry producers face continued pressure from raw-material prices and supply-chain challenges.

Feed Costs Continue to Climb

Poultry producers in Vietnam are facing another increase in feed prices, adding to concerns about the cost of maintaining balanced nutrition during the early stages of broiler production.

On November 9, 2026, several major Vietnamese feed manufacturers, including Leong Hup, New Hope, Haid and East Hope, announced another round of price increases of up to VND 400/kg. This represents the eighth feed price increase in Vietnam this year, with manufacturers citing higher raw-material costs ⁽¹⁾.

The development comes after repeated price adjustments throughout 2026, placing additional financial pressure on poultry farmers and feed buyers.

Starter Diets Face Greater Cost Sensitivity

The continued rise in feed costs is particularly relevant during the starter phase, when chicks require carefully balanced diets to support early growth, digestive development and immune function.

Although producers may look for ways to reduce feeding costs, changes in starter formulations must account for the nutritional requirements of young birds. Reducing the quality or availability of essential nutrients could compromise early development and subsequent production performance.

The pressure is not limited to Vietnam. WATT Global Media’s 2026 Poultry Nutrition & Feed Survey, which collected responses from 310 industry stakeholders worldwide, identified input costs among the major challenges influencing poultry production and feeding decisions ⁽²⁾.

Balancing Nutrition and Production Costs

As feed prices remain a concern, poultry nutritionists and producers face the challenge of maintaining consistent feed quality while managing formulation expenses.

Greater attention to ingredient sourcing, feed efficiency and nutritional precision could become increasingly important in protecting chick performance without unnecessarily increasing production costs.

For the poultry industry, the challenge is to control feed expenditure without compromising the nutritional foundation established during the first days of a chick’s life.