EU livestock sector shrinks but becomes more efficient and specialized

The European Union’s livestock sector is undergoing significant structural transformation, marked by declining animal numbers, shifting production patterns, and evolving consumer preferences. By the end of 2024, the EU had approximately 132 million pigs, 72 million cattle, and 67 million sheep and goats, highlighting both the scale of the sector and its ongoing transition.

Production systems remain highly specialized: calves are typically slaughtered at around 8 months, beef cattle reach peak productivity at about 2.5 years, and dairy cows are kept for up to 5 years. This structure enables the integration of meat, milk, and breeding activities into a complex and efficient agri-food chain.

Livestock distribution across the EU is highly concentrated geographically. Spain leads in pork and lamb production, France dominates in beef, while Greece leads in goat farming. Other key players include Ireland in cattle, Denmark in pork, and Romania in sheep, confirming strong regional specialization.

Over the long term, livestock numbers have been declining: between 2004 and 2024, sheep numbers fell by 23%, goats by 22%, pigs by 15%, and cattle by 10%. This reflects environmental pressures, rising production costs, tighter regulations, and changing consumption patterns. In 2024, meat production showed mixed trends, with pork (+2.2%) and beef (+3.1%) recovering, while sheep and goat production continued to decline (-6%).

Poultry stands out as the fastest-growing segment, reaching a record 14.1 million tonnes in 2024 (+6.0%), confirming its rising role as a primary protein source in Europe. Overall, the sector is shifting toward a “less volume, more value” model, emphasizing animal welfare, efficiency, and higher product quality to strengthen its global competitiveness.