According to the Economic Survey 2006-07 released by Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, the country’s national cattle herd has increased 45% in the past decade, rising from 20.4 million in 1996 to 29.6 million in 2006. This follows an increase of 16% from 17.5 million in 1986. 

Other animals that posted major growth in 2006 were buffaloes (+35%) and goats (+31%) compared with 1996, whilst the number of asses increased 20%, mules rose 18%, sheep and camels increased 13%, and horses rose 3%.

Livestock numbers are set to continue to grow following the recently announced ‘Strengthening of Livestock Programme’, which is receiving financial assistance from the European Commission.