All livestock and poultry numbers increased in 2025 compared with the previous year, with Romania maintaining in second place in the European Union for sheep and goats, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
According to data published on Friday by the INS, the total number of cattle and the breeding stock (dairy cows, breeding buffaloes and breeding heifers) as of December 1, 2025 increased by 0.2% and 0.7% respectively compared with December 1, 2024.
The total number of pigs increased by 0.8%, while the breeding stock (breeding sows) decreased by 0.3%. For sheep and goats, both the total number and the breeding stock (ewes and goats) increased by 3% and 3.9% respectively. The total number of poultry rose by 0.4%, while the number of adult laying birds fell by 1%.
According to the statistics, cattle numbers declined continuously from 2006 to 2011, reaching 1.988 million units. From 2011 to 2025, cattle numbers continued to decrease, though at a slower pace, standing at 61.8% in 2025 compared with the 2006 level. Pig numbers also declined in 2025 compared with 2006, reaching 48.2% of the initial level. Sheep and goat populations showed a fluctuating trend, reaching 12.227 million head in 2025, approximately 45.5% higher than in 2006.
In terms of cattle numbers, Romania ranked tenth in the European Union, behind France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania ranked 21st, among the lowest positions in the European Union, ahead only of Bulgaria.
For pig numbers, Romania ranked ninth in the European Union, behind Spain, Germany, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Poland, Italy and Belgium. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania ranked 19th, ahead of Slovakia, Lithuania and Bulgaria.
For sheep and goat numbers, Romania ranked second among EU member states, behind Spain. In terms of density per 100 hectares of land, Romania also ranked second, after Greece.
