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.

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.

China Livestock: Number: Cow: Beef Cattle data was reported at 84,541.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 80,044.000 Unit th for 2021. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Beef Cattle data is updated yearly, averaging 68,386.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84,541.000 Unit th in 2022 and a record low of 52,533.000 Unit th in 2008. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Beef Cattle data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

Ethiopia had the highest number of cattle in Africa as of 2023, nearly ** million heads. United Republic of Tanzania possessed the second-highest bovine animal stock on the continent, with about ** million heads. In 2022, Africa had over *** million heads of cattle, one of the major species raised for livestock farming on the continent.

Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Shanxi data was reported at 1,065.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 988.000 Unit th for 2021. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Shanxi data is updated yearly, averaging 437.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,065.000 Unit th in 2022 and a record low of 266.000 Unit th in 2008. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Shanxi data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

Cattle Feed Market Outlook

The global cattle feed market size was valued at approximately USD 78 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 120 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period. This robust growth can be attributed to several market dynamics, including the increasing demand for high-quality animal protein, the intensification of the livestock sector, and the rising awareness regarding animal health and nutrition. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for dairy and meat products is also increasing, which in turn drives the demand for cattle feed. Furthermore, advancements in cattle feed formulations and the adoption of sustainable feed practices are also contributing to the expansion of the market.

One of the major growth factors in the cattle feed market is the rising consumer awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of animal-derived products. As people become more health-conscious, there is a growing preference for protein-rich diets that include meat and dairy products. This increased demand for animal protein necessitates the need for enhanced livestock productivity, which is directly linked to the quality and quantity of cattle feed. Consequently, farmers and livestock producers are increasingly investing in high-quality feeds that ensure optimal growth and health of the cattle. This trend is further supported by governmental initiatives aimed at boosting livestock production to meet the nutritional needs of the population.

Technological advancements in feed production and formulation are another significant driver of growth in the cattle feed market. Innovations such as precision feeding, which involves tailoring the feed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of individual animals, have been gaining traction. This not only improves the efficiency of feed utilization but also minimizes waste and environmental impact. Additionally, the development of feed additives that enhance digestion and nutrient absorption has led to better feed conversion rates, thereby increasing overall productivity. Companies are investing in research and development to introduce new and improved feed products, which cater to the diverse needs of cattle across various climates and geographies.

The focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming is also propelling the growth of the cattle feed market. There is a growing emphasis on producing feed that reduces methane emissions and improves the overall sustainability of the cattle farming industry. This is particularly important in regions where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. The adoption of organic and non-GMO feed ingredients is becoming more prevalent, as consumers demand transparency and sustainability in the supply chain. These factors are encouraging feed manufacturers to innovate and develop products that align with these sustainability goals, thus driving market growth.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific is emerging as a dominant player in the cattle feed market, driven by its large population and increasing demand for meat and dairy products. Countries like China and India are experiencing rapid growth in their livestock industries, supported by government programs aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. North America and Europe remain significant markets due to their established livestock sectors and high levels of animal protein consumption. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing steady growth, with increasing investments in modernizing their agricultural practices and improving animal husbandry techniques.

Product Type Analysis

The cattle feed market is segmented by product type into compound feed, fodder, forage, and others. Compound feed holds a substantial share of the market due to its balanced nutritional profile, which meets the diverse dietary needs of cattle. It is often formulated with a precise blend of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for optimal cattle growth and health. The demand for compound feed is particularly strong in regions with intensive farming practices, as it supports rapid weight gain and enhances milk production in dairy cattle. The growing consumer awareness about the benefits of compound feed in improving livestock productivity is further bolstering its market demand.

Fodder, which includes crops like alfalfa, clover, and grass, is another significant segment in the cattle feed market. Its popularity is driven by its cost-effe

Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data was reported at 5,555.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,447.000 Unit th for 2021. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data is updated yearly, averaging 4,713.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,555.000 Unit th in 2022 and a record low of 4,513.000 Unit th in 2012. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

The US beef cattle production industry is currently marked by tight supply conditions and elevated prices. Over recent years, persistent drought conditions have led to significant herd liquidation, with beef cow numbers falling to historic lows. This contraction has created a bottleneck in calf production and feeder cattle availability, sustaining high cattle prices. In tandem, elevated feed costs have further pressured prices upwards, driving revenue as cattle producers seek to pass on costs and maintain their heightened profit. As herd rebuilding has remained slow, cattle supplies have remained low and kept prices high even as feed, energy and other key agricultural input costs have declined from their highs in 2022. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 6.3% during the current period to reach an estimated $97.3 billion after declining by 1.0% in 2025. Consumer preferences are shifting in the beef cattle production industry. There is an increasing awareness of environmental and health-related concerns associated with beef consumption. Consequently, many consumers are reducing their intake of conventional beef, turning instead towards more sustainable and perceived healthier alternatives such as grass-fed and organic beef. This shift has spurred growth in these segments as consumers look for transparency and ethical farming practices. Retailers and restaurants have responded accordingly by offering more options that align with these consumer preferences. However, these trends also pose challenges, especially for smaller producers who face significant costs associated with transitioning to sustainable practices or achieving certifications like organic or "sustainably raised." Though opportunities for growth will continue to present themselves, the outlook for the industry as a whole does not look as positive in the next five years. Poultry, pork and plant-based proteins will threaten beef demand as they appeal to health-conscious customers, particularly as cattle prices are elevated. Climate change will also continue to introduce environmental pressures, demanding resilience and adaptability from producers. Periods of stable weather could facilitate herd rebuilding, leading to increased cattle supplies and dropping prices, but continued climatic fluctuations and extreme weather events could reduce the consistency of production and increase revenue volatility. Advancements in technology, such as drones and wearable sensors, promise to help optimize cattle management, improving operational efficiencies and animal welfare. These innovations, however, require investment and broader accessibility to ensure equitable adoption across the industry. Additionally, while global trade disruptions remain a concern due to disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions, US producers will have opportunities in niche market segments to differentiate themselves, counterbalancing some of these pressures. Overall, revenue for cattle producers is forecast to decline through 2030 at a CAGR of 1.5% to $90.4 billion.

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.

Statistics illustrates market overview of beef (cattle meat) in the World from 2007 to 2024.

Livestock: Number: Dairy Cow: Hebei data was reported at 1,481.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,352.000 Unit th for 2021. Livestock: Number: Dairy Cow: Hebei data is updated yearly, averaging 1,674.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,981.000 Unit th in 2014 and a record low of 1,059.000 Unit th in 2018. Livestock: Number: Dairy Cow: Hebei data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

Cattle Tracking System Market Outlook

The cattle tracking system market size is poised for impressive growth, with the global market expected to reach approximately USD 3.2 billion by 2032, up from USD 1.6 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 7.5%. This growth can be attributed primarily to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture, aiming to optimize productivity and streamline operations. The rising demand for meat and dairy products, driven by the growing global population and changing dietary preferences, has necessitated improved cattle management practices, thereby bolstering the market for cattle tracking systems. This upward trend is expected to continue as innovations in tracking technologies such as GPS and RFID are integrated into comprehensive farm management solutions.

One of the primary growth factors in the cattle tracking system market is the increasing awareness and adoption of smart farming practices. As traditional farming methods give way to technologically advanced solutions, farmers and agribusinesses are investing in systems that provide real-time data analytics and insights, allowing for better resource management and cost efficiency. Additionally, government initiatives and subsidies encouraging the use of IoT and AI in agriculture are providing significant impetus to the sector. These factors collectively are driving the uptake of cattle tracking systems, specifically in developed regions where technological infrastructure is more robust.

Moreover, the rise of precision agriculture is playing a crucial role in the market's expansion. Precision agriculture involves the use of data analytics to monitor and manage field variability in crops, which is now being extended to livestock management. By employing cattle tracking systems, farmers can effectively monitor the health, behavior, and productivity of their livestock, leading to improved yield quality and quantity. The integration of advanced tracking technologies such as GPS and RFID with AI-driven analytics has made these systems indispensable for modern farms aiming to maintain competitive advantage and sustainability. This trend of embracing precision agriculture is evident globally, though it is more pronounced in regions with high technological adaptability.

The regional outlook of the cattle tracking system market reveals a diverse landscape. North America remains a significant market due to its advanced technological infrastructure and high adoption rate of smart farming techniques. The presence of large dairy and beef farms in the United States and Canada is a considerable booster for this market. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by increasing agricultural activities and the need to enhance productivity in countries like China and India. Europe, with its stringent regulations on livestock farming and a strong emphasis on animal welfare, continues to be a vital region for market growth. These regions reflect the varying levels of technological adaptation and regulatory environments impacting cattle tracking system adoption.

Component Analysis

The component segment of the cattle tracking system market is categorized into three main types: hardware, software, and services. Hardware components in cattle tracking systems typically include tags, sensors, and GPS devices, which are integral to the system's physical infrastructure. The demand for robust and durable hardware is growing, driven by the necessity for accurate data collection and analysis. Innovations in sensor technology are enhancing the functionality of these devices, enabling them to capture a wider range of vital metrics such as temperature, heart rate, and movement patterns of cattle. This increased capability is vital for ensuring livestock health and optimizing farm operations.

Software components in cattle tracking systems have evolved significantly, providing more sophisticated analytics and data integration capabilities. The software is the backbone that processes the data collected by the hardware components, converting it into actionable insights. It allows farmers to track and manage cattle health, feeding, breeding, and overall farm productivity efficiently. The increasing trend towards cloud-based solutions has further enhanced software capabilities, allowing farmers to access data remotely, facilitating timely decision-making. The software segment is expected to witness significant growth as more farmers adopt these comprehensive solutions to manage their livestock effectively.

Services associated with cattle tracking systems

How many cows are in the U.S.? The United States is home to approximately 87.1 million cattle and calves as of 2024, dropping slightly from the 2023 value. Cattle farming in the United States There are over three times more beef cows than milk cows living in the United States. Raising cattle is notoriously expensive, not only in terms of land, feed, and equipment, but also in terms of the environmental impact of consuming beef. Beef and milk have the highest carbon footprints of any type of food in the United States. U.S. milk market The volume of milk produced in the United States has been steadily increasing over the last several years. In 2023, total milk production in the U.S. was about 228.3 billion pounds, up from 192.9 billion pounds in 2010. California is the leading producer of milk of any U.S. state, generating approximately 42 billion pounds of milk in 2022. Wisconsin came in second, producing about 31.9 billion pounds of milk in that year.

The dataset contains year- and continent-wise compiled data of global livestock population from the year 2014 to 2020. The livestock covered in the dataset include Buffaloes, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses, Asses, Mules, Camels, Camelids, Chickens, Ducks, Geese and guinea fowls, Turkeys, Rabbits, Hares, Beehives, Goats, etc. and the continents covered include Africa, America, Europe, Oceania, etc.

This dataset provides livestock data for US Counties within the contiguous US. Census data of cattle, poultry (fowl), hogs, horses and sheep are provided. These data are estimated counts for 1990 based on an average of 1987 and 1992 census data from US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the US Census Bureau.

EOS-WEBSTER provides seven datasets which provide county-level data on agricultural management, crop production, livestock, soil properties, geography and population. These datasets were assembled during the mid-1990's to provide driving variables for an assessment of greenhouse gas production from US agriculture using the DNDC agro-ecosystem model [see, for example, Li et al. (1992), J. Geophys. Res., 97:9759-9776; Li et al. (1996) Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 10:297-306]. The data (except nitrogen fertilizer use) were all derived from publicly available, national databases. Each dataset has a separate DIF.

The US County data has been divided into seven datasets.

US County Data Datasets:

1) Agricultural Management 2) Crop Data (NASS Crop data) 3) Crop Summary (NASS Crop data) 4) Geography and Population 5) Land Use 6) Livestock Populations 7) Soil Properties

A spatially disaggregated global livestock dataset containing information on biomass use, production, feed efficiency, excretion, and greenhouse gas emissions for 28 world regions, 8 livestock production systems, 4 animal species (cattle, small ruminants, pigs, and poultry), and 3 livestock products (milk, meat, and eggs) for the year 2000. The dataset highlights: (i) feed efficiency as a key driver of productivity, resource use, and greenhouse gas emission intensities, with vast differences between production systems and animal products; (ii) the importance of grasslands as a global resource, supplying almost 50% of biomass for animals while continuing to be at the epicentre of land conversion processes; and (iii) the importance of mixed crop–livestock systems, producing the greater part of animal production (over 60%) in both the developed and the developing world. These data provide critical information for developing targeted, sustainable solutions for the livestock sector and its widely ranging contribution to the global food system.

Lineage: A livestock systems classification updated by Robinson et al (2011) was used as the starting point. It is based on agro-ecological differentiation (arid, humid and temperate/tropical highland areas), which helps in establishing the composition of diets for animals in different regions and agro-agroecologies and in the future to elicit the impacts that climate change might have on feed resources and land use. We differentiated 8 different types of livestock systems in 28 geographical regions of the world for this study. Numbers of animals for each of these systems and regions were estimated using the data of Wint and Robinson (2007) for the year 2000.

For ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats), we disaggregated the dairy and beef cattle herds using livestock demographic data for total cattle, sheep and goats and the dairy females for each species, respectively, from FAOSTAT. We used herd dynamics models parameterised for each region and production system using reproduction and mortality rates obtained from extensive literature reviews to estimate herd composition. For monogastrics (pigs and poultry), we only differentiated two systems: smallholder and industrial production systems. The allocation of poultry, eggs and pork production was done on the basis of knowledge of the total product output from these two systems from national information from selected countries in the different regions, applied to the respective region.

Biomass consumption and productivity estimations from different species in each region and system followed a three stage process. First, feed availability of four main types of feeds (grass, crop residues, grains, occasional feeds) was estimated using hybrid maps of grassland productivity and EPIC model output (Havlik et al 2013) for humid and temperate regions of the world. Crop residue availability was estimated using the SPAM cropland layers (You et al 2014) and coefficients of stover use for animal feeding and harvest indexes for different parts of the world. Grain availability for animal production was taken from the FAO Commodity balance sheets and the availability of occasional feeds like cut and carry grasses and legumes was obtained from literature reviews.

The second step consisted of developing feasible diets for each species in each region and production system. The proportions of each feed in the diet of each species was obtained from extensive information available in the literature and from databases and feeding practice surveys at key research centres in the world (i.e. FAO, ILRI). Data on feed quality was obtained from the databases containing regional feed composition data for each feed (Herrero et al 2008). The third step consisted of estimating productivity. For ruminants, the information on the quantity and quality of the different feeds was then used to parameterise an IPCC tier 3 digestion and metabolism model (RUMINANT, Herrero et al 2002), as described in Herrero et al (2008) and Thornton and Herrero (2010). The model estimated productivity (milk, meat), methane emissions and manure and nitrogen excretion. For monogastrics, information on feed quality was used to estimate feed intake, productivity and feed use efficiency using standard nutrient requirements guidelines (NRC 2008). The estimation of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from manure, and of nitrous oxide from pastures followed an IPCC tier 2 approach, for each species, system and region. Further details are available in the Supplementary Information of Herrero et al. 2013.

All information on animal production (bovine milk, bovine meat, sheep and goat milk, sheep and goat meat, pork, poultry and eggs) and for grains as feed was harmonised with FAOSTAT’s commodity balance sheets at national level following an iterative procedure restricted to deviate +/- 20% from the statistical data in FAOSTAT.

The size of the collection is 1.32 GB, 192 zip files.

The raster dataset consists of a 500 m score grid for dairy processing industry facilities siting, produced under the scope of FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, Geographical Information Systems - Multicriteria Decision Analysis for value chain infrastructure location.

The analysis is based on cattle dairy production intensification potential, defined using crop production, livestock production systems, and cattle distribution.

The score is achieved by processing sub-model outputs that characterize logistical factors: 1. Supply - Feed, livestock production systems, livestock distribution. 2. Demand - Human population density, large cities, urban areas. 3. Infrastructure - Transportation network (accessibility)

It consists of an arithmetic weighted sum of normalized grids (0 to 100): (”Dairy Intensification” * 0.4) + ("Crop Production" * 0.3) + (“Major Cities Accessibility” * 0.2) + (“Population Density” * 0.1)

Data publication: 2021-10-15

Contact points:

Metadata Contact: FAO-Data

Resource Contact: Justeen De Ocampo

Data lineage:

Major data sources, FAO GIS platform Hand-in-Hand and OpenStreetMap (open data) including the following datasets: 1. Human Population Density 2020 – WorldPop2020 - Estimated total number of people per grid-cell 1km. 2. Mapspam Production – IFPRI's Spatial Production Allocation Model (SPAM) estimates of crop distribution within disaggregated units. 3. GLW Gridded Livestock of the World - Gridded Livestock of the World (GLW 3 and GLW 2) 4. Global Livestock Production Systems v.5 2011. 5. OpenStreetMap.

Resource constraints:

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC BY-NC- SA 3.0 IGO)

Online resources:

Zipped raster TIF file for dairy processing (UHT/powder) location score (Bangladesh - ~ 500m)

Global Self-Employed People in Agricultural Products and Livestock Sector Share by Country (Thousand Units (Persons)), 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The global artificial insemination (AI) market for cattle is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for high-quality genetics, improved herd productivity, and disease control. The market, estimated at $2 billion in 2025, is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $3.5 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors. Firstly, the rising global population necessitates increased meat and dairy production, leading to greater adoption of AI techniques to enhance breeding efficiency and livestock quality. Secondly, advancements in AI technologies, including sexed semen and genomic selection, are enabling farmers to achieve precise breeding goals and improve the overall genetic merit of their herds. Finally, the increasing prevalence of contagious diseases among cattle populations is prompting farmers to utilize AI as a safer and more effective method of breeding compared to natural mating, reducing the risk of disease transmission. The market is segmented by application (family farms and commercial farms) and cattle type (dairy cows and beef cattle), with commercial farms currently dominating the market share due to higher adoption rates of advanced technologies and economies of scale. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe holding significant market shares, driven by established agricultural infrastructure and higher adoption rates of AI technology. However, developing regions in Asia-Pacific and South America are also witnessing substantial growth, driven by expanding livestock populations and increasing awareness of the benefits of AI. Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges. High initial investment costs associated with AI technologies, lack of awareness and skilled personnel in certain regions, and regulatory hurdles in some countries can act as restraints on market growth. Furthermore, the fluctuating prices of livestock and feed, as well as the potential for technological disruptions, could impact market dynamics. However, ongoing research and development efforts focused on improving AI techniques, along with government initiatives promoting the adoption of advanced breeding technologies, are likely to mitigate these challenges and sustain market growth. The leading companies in this sector are strategically investing in research and development, expanding their geographical reach, and forming partnerships to solidify their market positions and cater to the evolving needs of the livestock industry.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Beef (Cattle Meat) in the World from 2007 to 2024.