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.

How many cows are in the U.S.? The United States is home to approximately **** million cattle and calves as of 2024, dropping slightly from the 2023 value. Cattle farming in the United States There are over ***** 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 ***** billion pounds, up from ***** billion pounds in 2010. ********** is the leading producer of milk of any U.S. state, generating approximately ** billion pounds of milk in 2022. Wisconsin came in second, producing about **** billion pounds of milk in that year.

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 .

India's cattle inventory amounted to about *** million in 2023. In comparison, the global cattle population stood at over ***********, 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.

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: 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 .

Expressed in 1000 heads, as reported in the annual livestock survey that is carried out in November/December.

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

Previous archeological and genetic research has shown that modern cattle breeds are descended from multiple independent domestication events of the wild aurochs (Bos primigenius) about ten thousand years ago. Two primary areas of domestication in the Middle East/Europe and the Indian subcontinent resulted in taurine and indicine lines of cattle, respectively. American descendants of cattle brought by European explorers to the New World beginning in 1493 generally have been considered to belong to the taurine lineage. Our analyses of 54,609 single nucleotide polymorphisms show that these New World cattle breeds, as well as the many related breeds of cattle in southern Europe, actually exhibit ancestry from both the taurine and indicine lineages. In this study we show that although European cattle are largely descended from the taurine lineage, gene flow from the indicine lineage has contributed substantial genomic components to both southern European cattle breeds and their New World descendants. New World cattle breeds, such as Texas Longhorns, provide an opportunity to study global population structure and domestication in cattle. Following their introduction into the Americas in the late 1400s, semi-feral herds of cattle underwent between 80 and 200 generations of predominantly natural selection, as opposed to the human-mediated artificial selection of Old World breeding programs. Our analyses of global cattle breed population history show that the hybrid ancestry of New World breeds contributed genetic variation that likely facilitated the adaptation of these breeds to a novel environment.

How many cows are in the world? India is home to the highest number of milk cows of any country, at over ** million heads as of 2024. That year, the European Union had the second most milk cows worldwide, at about ** million heads. Raising milk cows In the United States, the cost of feeding, housing, and caring for a single cow is around ***** 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 **** 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 *** million metric tons of milk, followed by India with about *** million metric tons. The European Union is also the leading producer of cheese worldwide.

Belgium Number of Livestock: Cows data was reported at 2,240,623.000 Unit in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2,353,418.000 Unit for 2021. Belgium Number of Livestock: Cows data is updated yearly, averaging 2,596,542.000 Unit from Apr 1997 (Median) to 2022, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,157,095.000 Unit in 1997 and a record low of 2,240,623.000 Unit in 2022. Belgium Number of Livestock: Cows data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate-General Statistics - Statistics Belgium. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Belgium – Table BE.B012: Number of Livestock.

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

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

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.

China Livestock: Number: Cattle Stock data was reported at 97,620.000 Unit th in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 100,470.000 Unit th for Dec 2024. China Livestock: Number: Cattle Stock data is updated quarterly, averaging 97,895.000 Unit th from Sep 2018 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 105,090.000 Unit th in Dec 2023 and a record low of 90,620.000 Unit th in Mar 2019. China Livestock: Number: Cattle Stock 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: Stock: Quarterly.

Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data was reported at 41,868.000 Head in Mar 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 37,406.000 Head for Feb 2019. Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data is updated monthly, averaging 30,904.000 Head from Jan 1997 (Median) to Mar 2019, with 267 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49,641.000 Head in Jun 2005 and a record low of 10,432.000 Head in Feb 2001. Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table BR.RIK005: Number of Livestock: Cattle.

Georgia Number of Livestock: Cattles and Buffaloes: ow Cows data was reported at 454.100 Head th in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 467.000 Head th for Jun 2018. Georgia Number of Livestock: Cattles and Buffaloes: ow Cows data is updated quarterly, averaging 581.700 Head th from Mar 2005 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 740.800 Head th in Mar 2005 and a record low of 454.100 Head th in Sep 2018. Georgia Number of Livestock: Cattles and Buffaloes: ow Cows data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Statistics Office of Georgia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Georgia – Table GE.B005: Number of Livestock.

China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow data was reported at 11,601.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,943.000 Unit th for 2021. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow data is updated yearly, averaging 12,603.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15,072.000 Unit th in 2015 and a record low of 10,377.000 Unit th in 2018. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow 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 .

Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Gansu data was reported at 4,955.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,801.000 Unit th for 2021. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Gansu data is updated yearly, averaging 4,105.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,955.000 Unit th in 2022 and a record low of 2,093.000 Unit th in 2008. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Gansu 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 Americas accounted for ** percent of global methane (CH₄) emissions produced in the digestive systems of cattle in 2022. This is unsurprising given the fact that both the United States and Brazil are the biggest producers of beef in the world. The global cattle population has been consistently growing in recent years.