In 2008, cattle stocks declined by 8.6 per cent over 2007.Data from the 2008 annual survey on cattle stocks show an 8.6 per cent decline when compared to 2007. The category of cattle under 1 year was affected by a 16.7 drop, while stocks in the 1-2 year category decreased by 7.3 per cent. The category of cows – the most important category, representing 41.9 per cent of all cattle – registered a decline of 4.2 per cent.
In 2008, 383 holdings were engaged in rearing cattle, of which 153 were oriented to milk production. The latter accounted for 89.1 per cent of total cattle stock.
The majority of cattle farms (44.1 per cent) had between 3 and 29 cattle on the holding. Between them, these farms comprised 1,627 heads, or 9.2 per cent of all cattle. On the other hand, 16.7 per cent of all cattle farms were large, with herds of more than 100 cattle heads. These holdings accounted for 11,822 heads, or 66.5 per cent of total cattle stock.
Of all farms with a herd size ranging from 3 to 29 cattle, 84.6 per cent reared cattle for meat production. On the other hand, farms with a herd size of 100 cattle or more were dairy producers.
On a regional level, cattle stocks fell by 9.6 in Malta and 6.4 per cent in Gozo and Comino. Overall, 11,905 cattle (67.0 per cent) were found on Maltese farms with 37.7 per cent of these being located in the South Eastern District. The cattle population in Gozo and Comino amounted to 5,872 heads, or 33.0 per cent of total cattle stock.