Countries by Cattle Livestock Population 2024

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by total cattle and buffalo population in 2024, measured in millions of head according to FAO data. Brazil has the world's largest commercial cattle herd — with approximately 220 million head that have expanded steadily as Amazonian and Cerrado land has been converted to pasture. Brazil is both the world's largest beef exporter and the country most associated with deforestation driven by cattle ranching, making its livestock industry one of the most geopolitically contested agricultural sectors on Earth.

✨ AI Insight

Brazil's dominance in cattle livestock, with 220 million head, starkly contrasts with India's 194 million and the United States' 93 million. The gap between Brazil and the U.S. is particularly notable, as Brazil's cattle population is nearly 2.4 times larger. This expansion is largely driven by the conversion of vast areas of the Amazon and Cerrado into pastureland, raising environmental concerns regarding deforestation. Additionally, Ethiopia and Argentina, with populations of 60 million and 54 million respectively, highlight the global spread of cattle farming beyond the traditional powerhouses. The trend suggests a continued increase in livestock populations, which could exacerbate ecological impacts unless sustainable practices are adopted.

Source: Wikipedia

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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Brazil leads with 220 in 2024.

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Average value in 2024: 94 · median: 63.

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Gap in 2024: Brazil is 8.1× larger than Australia.