Kazakhstan’s livestock sector grew steadily in 2025. Over January–October, the volume of livestock production rose by 3.4% compared to the same period last year. This is the key signal shaping the entire sector. Growth is smooth, predictable and stable. Output increased across meat, milk and poultry, helping the domestic market receive more locally produced food and supporting price stability.
The strongest positive shift came from meat production. Slaughter of livestock and poultry in live weight increased by 2.8%. For a segment sensitive to weather conditions, feed costs and herd structure, this is a confident result. Producers are expanding output gradually rather than sharply. This shows that the meat market is entering a calmer, more balanced phase.
Milk production grew even faster. Cow milk output rose by 5.2%. Average milk yield per cow remained unchanged. This means the rise in total milk output came from herd expansion, not from pushing productivity to extremes. Smooth seasonality and stable yields suggest better feed management and more predictable production conditions across farms.
Poultry also performed well. Egg production increased by 1.4%. With over 80% of all poultry concentrated in large industrial farms, this segment is less exposed to seasonal swings. Output per laying hen stayed almost the same, confirming that productivity remained stable. A slight decline in yields at some farms did not affect the overall balance of the market.
Livestock numbers as of November 1, 2025 support this positive picture. Cattle numbers grew from 8.24 million to 8.38 million head. The horse population rose significantly, reaching 4.41 million. Poultry numbers increased from 46.3 million to 48.3 million. The number of pigs also grew slightly. The only decline was in sheep and goats, where the population fell by roughly half a million head.
The structure of the sector remains typical for Kazakhstan. Almost half of all cattle are held by household farms, and another large share by family and small-scale farms. Only around 10% belong to agricultural enterprises. This adds flexibility to the sector, but also makes it sensitive to infrastructure and seasonal conditions. Sheep and goats are also mostly kept by smallholders and farmers, making this segment highly decentralized.
Pig and poultry farming follow the opposite pattern. These sectors are dominated by industrial enterprises – over half of all pigs and more than 80% of poultry are raised at large facilities. This industrial base ensures stable output and less exposure to seasonal risks, especially in eggs and poultry meat. Industrial segments provide predictability, while small farms provide flexibility and resilience.
Overall, the livestock sector combines many small producers with a strong industrial core. Together, these factors smooth out external shocks and help stabilize the supply of meat, milk and eggs. The simultaneous growth across all major products shows a balanced expansion. Rising livestock numbers confirm that production is growing on a structural, long-term basis, not due to temporary factors.
For consumers, this means more local products and fewer risks of supply shortages. Higher output does not always bring immediate price reductions, but it helps stabilize prices and reduce the chance of sudden spikes. This is especially important in winter, when demand rises and seasonal risks typically increase.
The overall results of 2025 are clear: the sector is expanding steadily. Livestock production increased, with meat up 2.8%, milk up 5.2%, and eggs up 1.4%. Most animal populations grew. Production cycles are becoming more predictable, and the dependence on seasonality is gradually decreasing. Livestock remains one of the core pillars of Kazakhstan’s food security and continues to move toward stable, long-term growth.
Sultan Valikhanov, expert of the EconomyKZ.org portal
