According to recent data published by Eurostat (European Union), all major livestock species saw their numbers decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year, consolidating the downward trend of the last decade.
In total, the EU currently has:
132 million pigs (-0.5% compared to 2023)
72 million cattle (-2.8%)
57 million sheep (-1.7%)
10 million goats (-1.6%)
In the case of cattle, France leads with 16.1 million heads, followed by Germany (10.4 million) and Poland (6.1 million). Spain ranks fifth with 6.1 million animals, having lost 120,000 head compared to 2023.
In goats, Greece holds the top spot with 2.5 million, followed by Spain with 2.3 million animals, the only country to record an increase (+67,000 head).
In the sheep sector, Spain leads with 13.4 million sheep (despite a reduction of 80,000), followed by Romania and Greece.
Finally, pigs remain the most numerous species, with Spain leading the ranking with 34.5 million animals, an increase of 700,000 head compared to the previous year.
These figures reflect a transformation in the European livestock model, driven by factors such as changes in consumption, sustainability, and environmental regulations.
Source: Eurostat, European Union
