A volatile commodities market and harsh weather conditions have been behind a rise in the cost of animal feed.
This is the view of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which has charted the escalating cost of cereals and other foods over the past year.
Corn, one of the main ingredients used in animal feed manufacturing, is now 112 per cent more expensive than it was this time last year, with these extra costs having to be passed on to livestock farmers and, in turn, the consumer.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson said that drought conditions throughout Europe have made the problem worse.
"Recent volatility in the cost of key commodities, linked to dry weather and global demand, is now working through to the shop price of some food," he said.
The Isle of Wight County Press recent reported that lack of rainfall on the island will lead to a serious shortage of animal feed later this year.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the animal feed industry includes:
