In recent years, the livestock sector in Kazakhstan has demonstrated steady growth and currently accounts for approximately 40% of the country’s gross agricultural output.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2025, the number of cattle reached 8.2 million head, an increase of 2.4% on-year. The number of sheep and goats reached 20.6 million head (+1.6%), horses — 4.6 million head (+5.6%), camels — 294,000 head (+4.8%), and poultry — 48.6 million head (+6.9%).
Kazakhstan is self-sufficient in beef, lamb, horse meat, and eggs.
In 2025, meat production of all types increased by 2.7% to 1.2 million tons. Cow’s milk production increased by 5%, from 3.6 to 3.8 million tons. Chicken egg production increased by 2.4% to 4.6 million.
Kazakhstan is also exporting surplus meat. Over the first 11 months of 2025, meat exports increased by 24.8% to 91,300 tons. Beef exports grew by 59.1% to 31,300 tons, and lamb exports increased by 92.8% to 29,400 tons.
Since 2023, a preferential lending program at 2.5% per annum has been in effect for the construction of modern dairy farms across the country. Their number has increased from 19 in 2019 to over 100 today, with a total production capacity of over 500,000 tons of milk per year. Over the next three years, 118 dairy projects are planned, increasing milk production by 615,000 tons, more than doubling the existing volume.
The issue of import substitution for poultry meat is being addressed through the construction of new and expansion of existing poultry farms. Domestic poultry production has increased from 236,500 tons in 2020 to 371,700 tons in 2025. Three new poultry projects with a total production volume of 241,300 tons are planned for launch in the next three years.
It is expected that by 2029, Kazakhstan’s dairy and poultry market will be fully supplied by domestic production.
The country’s comprehensive livestock development plan for 2026-2030 provides for new government support instruments, including preferential lending at 5-6% per annum. Implementation of the plan aims to increase the number of cattle to 12 million head, sheep to 28 million head, meat production to 1.8 million tons, milk production to 4.2 million tons, and double meat exports to 165,000 tons by 2030.
Photo: gov.kz
