As of May 1, 2026, the livestock population in Kazakhstan reached 9.8 million head of cattle (+325,200 head compared to the same period in 2025), 23.5 million sheep (+363,100 head), 5.1 million horses (+339,800 head), 322,000 camels (+7,500 head), and 48.2 million poultry (+291,500 head). During January–April 2026, production of all types of meat in slaughter weight totaled 338,200 tons (+11,000 tons compared to January–April 2025). Beef production reached 112,900 tons (+6,500 tons), lamb — 34,700 tons (+2,600 tons), and horse meat — 39,800 tons (+1,400 tons). To boost production, a preferential lending program called "Zhaylau" has been launched for the development of transhumance livestock farming at 6% interest for a term of 10 years.
The rise in lamb prices in April–May 2026 was temporary and seasonal, driven by increased demand during the Kurban Ait holiday. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the average price of lamb across the country was 4,209 tenge per kg. A decrease in the purchase price by approximately 200 tenge per kg has been noted.