Mixed trends in Spanish livestock production: first half of 2025 results

Cattle and small livestock slaughter The volume of cattle slaughter in Spain in the first half of the year amounted to 1.16 million HEAD, which is 6.14% less than in the same period last year. Catalonia led the way in cattle slaughter, with 260.4 thousand head slaughtered, which is 1.82% more than last year. However, the greatest decrease was observed in Asturias, where slaughter decreased by 13.28%, amounting to 27.6 thousand head. In sheep farming, slaughter amounted to 3.69 million head, which is also 7.39% less than in the first half of 2024. The largest slaughter volume was recorded in Castile and León, where 1.19 million sheep were slaughtered (a decrease of 12.63%). it is noteworthy that Murcia saw a 30% increase, which may be due to increased demand for sheep MEAT and MILK . Goat farming also showed negative trends: 443,800 animals were slaughtered, a 14.47% decrease compared to last year. Andalusia remains the leader in goat slaughter, albeit with an 18.39% decrease (219,500 heads). In the Canary Islands, goat slaughter fell sharply by 66.58%, raising questions about the state of the local economy. Pig and Poultry Slaughter: In the context of positive changes, it is worth noting that pig slaughter in Spain increased by 5.12%, reaching 28.02 million heads. Of these, 11.04 million pigs were slaughtered in Catalonia, an increase of 2.13% compared to last year. Particularly significant growth was observed in Extremadura, where pig slaughter increased by 32.67%, which may be due to increased exports and rising demand for pork both domestically and internationally. Poultry production also showed positive dynamics: poultry slaughter increased by 4.09%, reaching 436,800 heads. Growth was observed in all major regions, indicating stable demand for











Chicken meat and eggs .

Horse and rabbit slaughter .

Despite overall growth in some sectors, horse slaughter decreased by 5.90%, reaching 13,600 head. Rabbit slaughter also declined by 7.25%, reaching 13,100 head. These changes may be part of broader trends related to changing consumer preferences and increasing interest in more environmentally friendly and sustainable protein sources.

Thus, the first half of 2025 in Spanish livestock production demonstrated a variety of trends, with some sectors showing growth and others declining. This highlights the need for producers to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. Importantly, further research and monitoring of the state of livestock production in Spain will help better understand the causes of these changes and develop strategies to optimize them.