India’s Cattle Herd Is Forecast to Dip in 2027
The US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts India’s beginning cattle inventory for 2027 at 307m head, a marginal decrease from the previous year. The estimate includes bovine cattle and Asian domestic water buffalo, which make up one of the world’s largest cattle populations and are mainly kept for dairy production.
FAS said slaughter in 2026 was higher than previously estimated. Strong demand within India and overseas for bovine meat contributed to the increase. The agency forecasts that the herd will end 2027 at 306.5m head, with further slaughter expected as demand continues.
Industry sources expect the number of crossbred cattle and higher-yielding buffalo to grow slowly. That increase is expected to be outweighed by reductions in low-productivity non-descript cattle and water buffalo, as well as in stray unproductive animals. The latter category includes old spent cows, buffalo, male calves and bulls.
Small and marginal farmers still dominate India’s dairy sector. In most states, backyard dairies keep between two and five animals, generally producing milk for household consumption. Industry sources report a gradual shift in the main dairy-producing states towards specialised farms with 20 to 50 animals.
As holdings become smaller and mechanisation expands, farmers are replacing lower-yielding cows and buffalo with animals that produce more milk. Improved rural roads and the spread of mechanised farming have also reduced the use of bullocks and buffalo bulls for draft work.
Export demand for buffalo meat, commonly known as carabeef, has recovered strongly, while modern abattoirs and meat-processing facilities have expanded. Steady domestic demand has supported higher prices for spent animals. Industry sources said those prices are increasing farmer incomes rather than encouraging owners to abandon such animals as strays.
