Decline in Livestock Numbers Across the EU
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Livestock production in the European Union continues to contract, confirming a long term trend that affects both the agricultural economy and the Union’s sustainability strategies. According to Eurostat data, all major livestock populations decreased in 2025. The EU recorded 131.5 million pigs, 71.6 million cattle, 55.3 million sheep, and 10.2 million goats, all lower than the previous year. The annual decline reached 0.5% in pigs, 0.4% in cattle, 2.2% in sheep, and 2.5% in goats.
This development is not a temporary fluctuation but part of a broader ten year trend. Between 2015 and 2025, pig numbers fell by 8.9%, cattle by 9.7%, sheep by 12.2%, and goats by 17.5%. The gradual contraction reflects the pressures facing the primary sector, from rising production costs and shifts in consumer demand to stricter environmental requirements and emission reduction policies.
The decline in livestock populations raises important questions about the future resilience of the European agri food chain. A reduced production base affects the availability of animal origin products while intensifying the debate around sustainable livestock farming, extensive production models, and the need for technological solutions that improve resource and herd management.
Eurostat’s data underline that European livestock farming is entering a period of transition. Producers must adapt to a new environment shaped by economic pressure, environmental compliance, and evolving social expectations. The coming years will be crucial in determining how the EU balances production stability with sustainable management of natural resources.
