Small Ruminant Population Surpasses 60 Million Head

September 17, 2026 · akdenizgercek.com.tr

According to data from TurkStat and the Ministry of Agriculture, the small ruminant livestock population reached 60.8 million head, while the cattle population stood at 17.8 million head.

Current Status of Cattle Population

Livestock statistics for June 2026, prepared in cooperation with the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, have been released. According to data compiled by the ministry on a district basis as of June 30, 2026, the total cattle population in Turkey reached 17,805,000 head. The number of cattle, which form the main body of the cattle category, increased by 0.5% compared to the December 2025 period, reaching 17,640,000 head. During the same period, the water buffalo population decreased by 0.2% to 164,508 head.

Significant Increase in Small Ruminant Numbers

The small ruminant livestock population across Turkey showed an upward trend in the June 2026 period, recorded at a total of 60,815,000 head. According to TurkStat data, the number of sheep increased by 6% compared to December 2025, rising to 49,473,000 head. The goat population also recorded a 1.4% increase, reaching 11,342,000 head. The next comprehensive bulletin on official statistics, revealing the current picture of the livestock sector, is expected to be shared with the public in February 2027.

Türkçe