India's cattle inventory amounted to about 308 million in 2023. In comparison, the global cattle population stood at over one billion, India had the highest cattle population followed by Brazil, China and the United States that year.

Where are cattle bred in India?

As one of the leading dairy producers and consumers worldwide, cattle in the south Asian country were bred mainly in the rural areas. However, its population was spread unevenly across the vast land. Uttar Pradesh ranked first in terms of milk production, followed by Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in 2023.

Contextualizing the holiness of the Indian cow Considered a sacred animal by Hindus in India, the cow is associated with several gods and goddesses. This deep religious and cultural significance has led to communal tensions. In 2014, the government established the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to conserve and develop indigenous breeds of cows and buffaloes. While the general goal was well-received, it aligns with the underlying Hindu nationalist narrative of the current government.

West Bengal had the highest cattle population across India, at about 19 million in 2019. Uttar Pradesh ranked second that year, followed by Madhya Pradesh. Cattle population across the country grew by 0.8 percent between 2012 and 2019. Furthermore, livestock population amounted to nearly 535.8 million with cattle, buffaloes and goats making up the largest share.

How many cattle are in the world? The global live cattle population amounted to about 1.57 billion heads in 2023, up from approximately 1.51 million in 2021. Cows as livestock The domestication of cattle began as early as 10,000 to 5,000 years ago. From ancient times up to the present, cattle are bred to provide meat and dairy. Cattle are also employed as draft animals to plow the fields or transport heavy objects. Cattle hide is used for the production of leather, and dung for fuel and agricultural fertilizer. In 2022, India was home to the highest number of milk cows in the world. Cattle farming in the United States Cattle meat such as beef and veal is one of the most widely consumed types of meat across the globe, and is particularly popular in the United States. The United States is the top producer of beef and veal of any country worldwide. In 2021, beef production in the United States reached 12.6 million metric tons. Beef production appears to be following a positive trend in the United States. More than 33.07 million cattle were slaughtered both commercially and in farms annually in the United States in 2019, up from 33 million in the previous year.

Forecast: Whole Fresh Cow Milk Producing Population in India 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Uttar Pradesh had the highest livestock population across India, at about 67.8 million in 2019. Rajasthan ranked second that year, followed by Madhya Pradesh. Livestock population across the country amounted to nearly 535.8 million, cattle buffaloes and goats making up the largest share.

Uttar Pradesh had the highest buffalo population across India, at about 33 million in 2019. Rajasthan ranked second that year by a large difference, followed by Gujarat. Buffalo population across the country grew by over one percent between 2012 and 2019. Furthermore, livestock population amounted to nearly 535.8 million with cattle, buffaloes and goats making up the largest share.

How many cows are in the world? India is home to the highest number of milk cows of any country, at over 61 million head as of 2024. That year, the European Union had the second most milk cows worldwide, at about 20 million head. Raising milk cows In the United States, the cost of feeding, housing, and caring for a single cow is around 2,260 U.S. dollars per 24 months. Though this price might seem high, when one considers that the average milk cow in the United States produces around 24.3 thousand pounds of milk per year, the investment might be worth it. Dairy production worldwide Although India is by far the largest producer of milk cows, the 27 member states of the European Union collectively produce nearly twice the amount of cow milk of India. The United States came in second place with just under 104 million metric tons of milk, followed by India with about 100 million metric tons. The European Union is also the leading producer of cheese worldwide.

Jammu & Kashmir had the highest yak population across India, at more than 26.2 thousand in 2019. The number of yaks across the country declined by almost 24.7 percent between 2012 and 2019. Livestock population amounted to nearly 535.8 million, however - cattle, buffaloes and goats making up the largest share.

The Cattle Feed Market offers a wide range of products, including protein meals/cakes, cereals & grains, brans, additives, and others. Protein meals/cakes, such as soybean meal, provide essential amino acids for cattle growth. Cereals & grains, including corn and wheat, are major sources of carbohydrates and energy. Brans, such as wheat bran, offer fiber and other beneficial compounds for digestion. Additives, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, are used to enhance feed quality and animal health. Recent developments include: November 2020: According to FAO, India's cattle population increased from 191 million in 2017 to 194 points four million in 2020. India also produced 187.7 million metric tons of milk in 2019, an increase of 13.4 percent from 2017., November 2020: The FAO estimates that in landlocked developing nations in 2020, cow milk production will account for 411.5 million metric tons.. Notable trends are: expanding the industrialization of livestock production in developing nations to boost the market growth.

In the U.S., there have been approximately three times more beef cows than dairy cows each year since 2001. As of 2024, it was estimated that there were about 28 million beef cows and only about 9.3 million dairy cows. Beef vs. dairy cows Both beef and dairy cows are bred for their respective purposes and farmers often look for different qualities in each. Dairy cows are often bigger, as they can produce a larger volume of milk. Beef cows on the other hand are generally shorter and there is more emphasis on their muscle growth, among other qualities. In 2022, over 28 billion pounds of beef were produced in the United States. U.S. milk production and consumption The United States was among the top consumers of milk worldwide in 2022, surpassed only by India and the European Union. The annual consumption of milk in the U.S. that year was just under 21 million metric tons. To keep up with this level of consumption, milk production in the U.S. has increased by over 60 billion pounds since 1999 and is expected to exceed 228 billion pounds by 2023. California and Wisconsin were the top producing states as of 2022, producing about 41.8 and 31.9 billion pounds of milk, respectively.

APAC Alfalfa Hay Market size was valued at USD 2.56 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.27 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2031.

Growing Dairy Industry in APAC: The expanding dairy industry in the Asia Pacific, particularly in China and India, is pushing up demand for high-quality alfalfa hay. China’s dairy production reached 34.3 million tons in 2021, a 6.8% rise over the previous year, while India, the world’s largest milk producer, reported 198.4 million tons in 2020-21.

Rising Livestock Population: The expanding livestock population in Asia-Pacific is driving up demand for alfalfa hay. In 2022, China’s cattle inventory increased to 95.85 million heads, up from 91.55 million in 2021, while Vietnam’s cow population increased at a 3.2% annual rate between 2016 and 2021.

Shift Towards High-Quality Animal Feed: The Asia-Pacific region’s transition to high-quality animal feed is increasing demand for premium products such as alfalfa hay.

India domestically consumed nearly three million metric tons CWE of beef and veal in 2024. The country stood fourth, after China, Brazil and the EU, in terms of domestic consumption volumes that year.

Indigenous buffaloes had the highest share of milk production in India with about 32 percent in the fiscal year 2023. It was followed by crossbred cows accounting for about 30 percent of the total milk production in the country.

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Goat Milk Market Size 2024-2028

The goat milk market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.14 billion at a CAGR of 6.05% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to several key factors. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for lactose-free and lower lactose dairy products. Goat milk, being naturally lower in lactose compared to cow's milk, is gaining popularity among consumers with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. Another trend influencing the market is the rising preference for flavored goat milk, especially among children and health-conscious consumers. However, the market faces challenges from stringent government regulations in goat milk production. These regulations ensure the safety and quality of goat milk products but also increase production costs. Producers must comply with these regulations to maintain market credibility and consumer trust. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

What will the size of the market be during the forecast period?

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The dairy industry has witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more digestion-friendly alternatives. Goat dairy products have emerged as a viable solution for those with lactose intolerance, digestion problems, and allergies, offering a more natural and nutrient-dense choice compared to conventional dairy products. Goat dairy products, derived from goat's milk, have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to unhealthy lifestyles. These consumers appreciate the various health benefits associated with goat milk, including its high potassium, vitamin A, calcium, and protein content. The lactose intolerant population represents a substantial market segment for goat dairy products. Goat milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it an accessible choice for individuals who struggle with lactose intolerance. Moreover, goat milk is easier to digest due to its smaller fat globule size and shorter protein molecules.
The infant population is another market segment that benefits from goat milk. Goat milk formula is a popular alternative to cow's milk formula, providing essential nutrients for growing infants. Goat milk's nutrient profile, including its high protein, calcium, and magnesium content, makes it an excellent choice for supporting bone health in infants. Goat dairy products offer a range of benefits for health-conscious consumers. They contain fewer calories, fats, and proteins than their cow milk counterparts, making them a suitable choice for those looking to manage their caloric intake.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Fresh goat milk
  Processed goat milk


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India


  Europe

    France
    Spain


  North America

    US


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The fresh goat milk segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Goat milk, specifically fresh goat milk (FGM), is a natural and easily digestible dairy product. Unlike pasteurized and processed cow milk, FGM is unadulterated and rich in essential nutrients. The small size of goat milk's lactose molecules makes it an ideal alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance. FGM contains protein A2 casein, which is easier to digest than protein A1 casein found in cow milk. Approximately 7% of children in the United States experience cow milk allergies, often due to reactions to alpha S1 casein or whey proteins. Goat milk's similar pH level to human milk and lower lactose content make it a suitable substitute for those affected. Furthermore, goat milk boasts a rich nutritional profile. It contains high levels of proteins, calories, and healthy fats. Additionally, it is a natural source of essential minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus.

Further, the liquid milk segment of the market is expected to grow due to its increasing popularity as a healthier alternative to cow milk. The production of goat milk relies on goat feed and raw material prices. As such, the cost of goat feed and raw materials can impact the market's growth. However, the demand for goat milk products, including cheese, remains strong. In conclusion, fresh goat milk offers numerous health benefits and is a suitable alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance or cow milk allergies. Its nutrient-rich profile, including proteins, calories, healthy fats, magnesium, and phosphorus, make

In 2023, the number of cattle in India was more than 194 million head, which was the highest cattle stock in the Asia-Pacific region. In contrast, Taiwan had approximately 160 thousand head of cattle in inventory that year.

California was the leading U.S. state in terms of the overall number of milk cows, with a total of over 1.7 million milk cows as of 2024. The total number of milk cows on farms in the United States shows that California holds a significant share of the total number of milk cows in the country. Unsurprisingly, California is also the leading milk producing state in the United States. Dairy industry in the U.S. According to the USDA, milk from U.S. farms is 90 percent water, with milk fat and skim solids making up the remaining 10 percent. Cow milk is a component of several dietary staples, such as cheese, butter, and yoghurt. Dairy is a very important industry in the United States, with this sector alone creating significant employment throughout the United States. The overall income of dairy farms in the U.S. amounted to about 51.3 billion U.S. dollars. Holtsein is the most popular breed of dairy cow farmed in the United States. Holstein have the highest milk production per cow in comparison to any other breed. Where is the U.S. positioned in the global dairy market? Topped only by the EU-27, the United States ranks as the second largest cow milk producer in the world, followed by India, Russia, and China. The United States also features among the top ten global milk exporters. The outlook for the future of the industry is also good, with milk production in the United States projected to steadily increase over the next years.

The sales volume of dairy foods within the Indian packaged foods market amounted to 27.1 million metric tons in 2022. This was an increase as compared to previous year sales volume. The expansion and diversification of the country's food retail was likely a catalyst for dairy packaged foods, with urban areas accounting for over 75 percent of sales.

Key hindrances to market growth

India is home to one of the largest bovine populations in the world, and subsequently an enormous populace of milk cows. Despite that, the lack of cold storage facilities available induces significant output loss of dairy production volume. The cattle industry is heavily dependent on the fodder and feed available for the dairy animals. Constant floods and droughts across the agricultural land render the supply inconsistent, consequently making the process of feeding the cattle difficult.

Effects of COVID-19 on dairy consumption

Being a staple dairy consumable in India, the demand for liquid milk is owed to the increasing population of the country. Apart from milk, its processed and packaged products like butter, curd and paneer account for a large majority of the dairy market. The advent of COVID-19 pandemic forced a majority of the population to opt for online shopping which was a boon to the dairy market. Widespread lockdowns and a rekindled affinity to online cooking recipes have fueled the demand for dairy products even during such times.

In 2024, India consumed the most cow milk worldwide, drinking 89 million metric tons. The next largest consumption of milk was in the European Union, at 23.6 million metric tons. The dairy industry in India India’s dairy industry is wide-ranging, with products such as ghee butter, lassi, and paneer. Curd and yogurt are the most valuable segments in the industry. Milk production in India increased over the past decade, reaching over 239 million metric tons in 2024. Most of India’s milk was produced in Uttar Pradesh. The international market for milk production Cow milk production has increased slightly over the past half-decade, hovering over 552 million metric tons. The European Union produced the most cow milk, with the United States in second at just under 105 million metric tons generated. California and Wisconsin are the states with the most milk cows.

The state of Uttar Pradesh produced the highest amount of milk in India at over 38 million metric tons, followed by Rajasthan in financial year 2024. The total milk production in the country amounted to over 239 million metric tons during the same fiscal year. The oyster of the dairy world India, with the largest population, is one of the leading producers of milk in the world. However, the large population also accounts for most of the consumption of the nation’s produce. The industry comprises of poultry and livestock, with a rising share of poultry inventory over the recent years. The perpetually expanding market requires a prolific rate of production to compete in it, and India is a reckoning force with the production volume of milk displaying a steady growth over the years. Diversified utilization of milk Over the years, the dairy industry has evolved to include a plethora of products. Butter, paneer (an Indian cheese), curd and yoghurt are the building blocks of the processed milk products industry in India. However, in the organized market, butter and cheese dominated the dairy market.

The leading producer of cow milk worldwide was the European Union in 2024. In that year, the 27 countries of the European Union collectively produced over 144 million metric tons of cow milk. The United States was ranked second with a production volume of around 104 million metric tons. International dairy trade The export value of dairy product worldwide reached about 66 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, down from around 70.6 billion U.S. dollars in the previous year. As the top producer of cow milk worldwide, the European Union also was the top exporter of dairy products. Leading dairy processors The Dairy Farmers of America, based in the United States, is one of the biggest players in the global dairy market, with sales reaching around 23 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Land O'Lakes Inc. ranked in second place with sales of around 16.8 billion U.S. dollars.