In 2023, compared to 2022, the number of poultry increased, while the number of livestock decreased. Romania holds the second position in the European Union in terms of sheep and goat numbers.

Livestock Statistics

• Cattle: The total number of cattle and breeding stock (dairy cows, breeding buffaloes, and heifers for breeding) decreased by 1.0% and 1.4%, respectively, as of December 1, 2023, compared to December 1, 2022.
• Swine: The total number of pigs and breeding stock (breeding sows) decreased by 5.2% and 4.2%, respectively.
• Sheep and Goats: The total number of sheep and goats, as well as the breeding stock (ewes, lambs, and goats), decreased by 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
• Poultry: The total number of poultry and the number of adult laying hens increased by 0.7% and 5.4%, respectively.

Evolution of Livestock Numbers from 2006 to 2023

• Cattle: The cattle population declined continuously from 2006 until 2011, reaching 1,988.9 thousand heads. From 2011 to 2023, cattle numbers remained relatively stable, representing 61.9% of the 2006 levels in 2023.
• Swine: The swine population continuously decreased, reaching 46.3% of the 2006 levels by 2023.
• Sheep and Goats: The sheep and goat population showed fluctuating trends, reaching 11,721.2 thousand heads in 2023, which is 39.4% higher than in 2006.

EU Rankings

• Cattle: Romania ranks tenth in the European Union in terms of cattle numbers, behind France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania ranks twentieth, followed by Greece and Bulgaria.
• Swine: Romania ranks ninth in the European Union for pig numbers, behind Spain, Germany, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, and Belgium. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania ranks nineteenth, followed by Slovakia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria.
• Sheep and Goats: Romania ranks second among EU member states for sheep and goat numbers, after Spain. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania ranks second after Greece.

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