According to Eurostat, the European Union had 131.5 million pigs, 71.6 million bovine animals, 55.3 million sheep, and 10.2 million goats in 2025.
Compared with 2024, the populations of all four major livestock species declined. Pig numbers fell by 0.5%, bovine animals by 0.4%, sheep by 2.2%, and goats by 2.5%.
Eurostat notes that these figures continue a long-term trend that has persisted across the European Union for ten consecutive years.
Compared with 2015, the goat sector experienced the largest decline, with the goat population falling by 17.5% over the decade.
During the same period, sheep numbers decreased by 12.2%, bovine animals by 9.7%, and pigs by 8.9%.
Analysts note that the long-term decline in livestock numbers reflects ongoing structural changes in European animal agriculture. The sector continues to face economic challenges, stricter environmental regulations, shifting consumer preferences, and rising production costs.
Although the reduction in the pig population in 2025 was relatively modest, the overall downward trend remains evident across most EU member states, continuing to influence production patterns and the balance of pork supply in the European market.
Source: PigUA.info, based on thepigsite.com