Livestock growth in Turkey in 2025

In 2025, Turkey demonstrated positive growth in livestock production despite challenging epizootic conditions. Official data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) indicate a significant increase in the number of cattle and sheep and goats.

By the end of 2025, the total cattle population in the country reached 17.709 million, a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. The number of cows reached 17.544 million, also representing a 4.3% increase. The buffalo population increased by 1.7%, reaching 164,800 head. Small ruminants also showed steady growth, increasing by 5.4% to 57.874 million head, including a 5.9% increase in sheep to 46.689 million and a 3.4% increase in goats to 11.186 million.

This increase occurred amid the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which led to the introduction of strict quarantine measures and the closure of livestock markets. Despite the negative impact on production, the livestock population is recovering and growing, demonstrating the adaptability of livestock farmers.

The increase in livestock numbers underscores the high potential of Turkish livestock farming. The government actively supports agriculture through various subsidy programs and modernization investments. This includes support for veterinary services and the introduction of new technologies. Given global trends and the demand for organic produce, Turkish farmers are beginning to adopt more sustainable practices, increasing their competitiveness in international markets.

Thus, despite the challenges, the increase in livestock numbers in Turkey in 2025 is a positive sign for the industry and an important step towards ensuring food security and sustainable economic development for the country in the future.

Tags: Turkey