EU livestock numbers continue decade-long decline

In 2024, the EU had 132 million pigs, 72 million bovine animals, 57 million sheep and 10 million goats. Compared with the previous year, all livestock populations declined – the pig population decreased by 0.5%, bovines by 2.8%, sheep by 1.7% and goats by 1.6%.

Recent declines in livestock populations have reinforced the longer-term trend in the EU. Compared with 2014, the population of pigs in 2024 was 8.1% lower, bovine animals 8.7% lower, sheep 9.4% lower and goats 16.3% lower.

This information comes from data on the EU’s livestock population, published by Eurostat 27 June 2025.