The European Union has seen a steady decrease in cattle population since 2016, with a total decrease of 7.3% over seven years, according to data from the EU Statistical Office. As of November 2023, the cattle population stood at 73.87 million, a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. The decline is most noticeable in young cattle under one year and dairy cows, with the latter's population falling below 20 million for the first time. The only exceptions to this trend are Malta and Cyprus, which however, do not significantly contribute to cattle breeding.