This release presents livestock numbers (cattle, sheep, pigs and goats) in December 2025 at State level and Regional level. Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs are obtained from administrative data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Breeding bull data is received quarterly from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
Cattle: The results for cattle are obtained from DAFM’s Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system, formerly known as the Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS). This system was introduced at the beginning of 2000 and involves electronically recording data on animal movements. Breeding bull data is received quarterly from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
Pigs: From 2025, the estimated number of Pigs in the State is informed by the National Pig Census which is carried out by DAFM. Users should note there is a change in source, including methodology and coverage, from previous years. The DAFM National Pig Census 2025 is carried out to comply with EU Regulation 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases which obliges member states to carry out a census of pigs annually. The first census took place in 2005.
Sheep and Goat: Sheep and Goat data is obtained from DAFM National Sheep & Goat Census undertaken on 31st December 2025. The DAFM National Sheep and Goat Census is carried out under EU Regulation 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases which obliges member states to carry out a census of sheep and goats annually. The first census took place in 2005.
Rounding: As a result of rounding, there may be slight discrepancies between the sum (or difference) of the constituent items and the total shown. Percentage changes have been calculated using actual figures.
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