EU livestock reduction in 2023

Over the past decade, the number of livestock of all types has declined. The EU 's cattle population has fallen the least, down 5% since 2013, followed by pigs (down 6%). The number of sheep fell by 9%, and the number of goats fell sharply by 15%.

Although changes at EU level in pig and cattle herds in 2023 compared to 2022 were relatively modest, there were various changes across the EU.

Croatia and Ireland recorded sharp declines in pig numbers (-10% compared to 2022), while Bulgaria and Malta recorded even steeper increases (both +21%).

Latvia recorded the largest reduction in cattle numbers in 2023 (6% less than in 2022), followed by Lithuania, Estonia, Portugal, Finland and Hungary (all about 3%). Cyprus was the only country to experience moderate growth (+1%), while cattle numbers in Malta, Poland and Ireland remained virtually unchanged at 2022 levels.

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