Livestock farming stands as one of the most essential sectors of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex contributing approximately 40% to the gross agricultural output.
The sector's development is now a pressing priority, playing a crucial role in economic diversification, enhancing agricultural productivity, fostering small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating opportunities for socio-economic advancement in rural areas.
In January-December, 2023, livestock production witnessed a robust growth of 103.3% year-on-year. The collective live weight of all livestock and poultry slaughtered or sent for slaughter increased by 4.6%, with beef and milk production rising by 2.9% and 2.2%, respectively.
As of January 1, 2024, household holdings comprised 48.3% of cattle, 42.3% of sheep, 63.2% of goats, 56% of pigs, and 21.8% of poultry. Farms and individual entrepreneurs accounted for 41.7% of cattle, 51.4% of sheep, 35.6% of goats, 7.6% of pigs, and 1% of poultry. Agricultural enterprises housed 10% of cattle, 6.3% of sheep, 1.2% of goats, 36.4% of pigs, and 77.2% of poultry.
The average milk yield per dairy cow increased marginally from 2403 kg in 2022 to 2409 kg in 2023 (a 0.2% rise). Similarly, the average egg output per laying hen increased from 227 to 232 (a 2.2% increase).
Noteworthy is the 2023 surge in offspring from agricultural animals, with calf numbers up by 2.9%, lambs by 2.7%, kids by 3.2%, foals by 5.4%, and camel calves by 3.7%. However, there's a notable decline in piglets by 2.4%.
Despite this positive growth, challenges lie ahead. Swine and goat populations experienced an 18.4% and 13.5% mortality rate, respectively, emphasizing the need for enhanced animal health strategies.
