Namibia counted more than 2 770 000 head of cattle at the end of 2024, with Otjiwarongo, Windhoek, Grootfontein and Eenhana being the highest contributors.
According to a survey by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), the Otjiwarongo district had the highest number at 301 000, while Walvis Bay had the lowest number of cattle at 128.
The Windhoek district recorded stock of 228 794 head of cattle at the end of 2024.
According to data from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPB), a total of 56 047 of the national cattle herd were marketed during the first four months of this year.
“This translates to a 58.8% decline from the number of the cattle marketed during the same period last year,” the LLPB says in a recent statement.
The year-to-date ratio between live exports and slaughtering in the country has improved, with 68.3% of all cattle marketed being slaughtered at A-, B- and C-class abattoirs, while the live export market share reduced to average 31.7%, a decline of 23.3% of the total marketed.
“Market signals appear to be well-functioning in the livestock and meat industry as producers responded well to relatively attractive prices offered by A-class abattoirs.
“B2 producer prices, paid by export-approved abattoirs south of the veterinary cordon fence, averaged N$67.51/kg, a 13.5% increase from the average of N$59.48/kg paid last year during the same period,” the LLPB statement says.
The board says weaner prices improved during the period from January to April 2025 and averaged N$29.95/kg by the end of April.
“This is an increase of 20.9% compared to the 2024 level of N$24.77/kg. The improvement in weaner prices is attributed to the shortage of weaners in the market, which has in turn exerted upward pressure on prices,” the LLPB says.
The veterinary services say the country recorded a total of 2 323 249 sheep at the end of 2024, with Mariental topping the list at 708 765 animals and Walvis Bay anchoring the list with 455 units, followed by Katima Mulilo at 600 head of cattle.
The Windhoek district had 388 405 sheep at the end of 2024.
“A total of 182 648 sheep were marketed during the period from January to April 2025, relative to the 2024 level of 313 854 sheep marketed.
“The contraction in sheep marketing was driven by a sustained decline in the live export of sheep, coupled with a drop in slaughtering activities at export approved abattoirs,” the board says.
It says Namibian export-approved abattoirs continued paying improved producer prices although they were lower than those of the Northern Cape abattoirs during the first four months of the year.
On average, Namibian export-approved abattoirs paid N$89.93/kg for the A2 grade, N$1.93/kg less than Northern Cape abattoirs paid at N$91.86/kg for the same grade.
“This price difference is within the LLPB-established nominal benchmark difference of N$4.98/kg – in favour of Namibian abattoirs,” the LLPB says.
According to the survey, Outapi led with 296 865 goats, followed by Omuthiya and Eenhana with 273 423 and 262 446, respectively, while the Windhoek district had 247 277, all contributing to 2 207 690 goats nationwide.
“The goat sector saw a 12.1% increase in total marketing in 2024, driven by a rise in live exports,” the DVS says.
Live exports accounted for 99.7% of all marketed goats, with B- and C-class abattoirs handling only 0.3%
“Live exports of goats increased by 18.8%, recording 23 331 units compared to 19 616 during the same period in 2023,” the newsletter says.
The pig industry continues to struggle as it relies on imports to satisfy consumers’ demands.
According to the veterinary services survey, the country only has 133 988 pigs nationwide and slaughtering activities increased by 10.3% in the past year.
“During the first quarter of 2024, 12 253 pigs were slaughtered, up from 11 113 in the same period last year,” the directorate says.
Meanwhile, the Windhoek district is way ahead of the pack with a total of 10 991 075 chickens, followed by Omaruru with 306 279, Outapi with 200 516, and Eenhana with 165 668.
All this contributes to the national poultry population of 12 284 272 birds. – email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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