Turkey traditionally has been an important supplier of live sheep as well as lamb and mutton to the Middle East. Increasing domestic demand from a rapidly growing population, combined with the production problems have led to a significant decline in exports. However, Turkish Government intends to develop Turkey's livestock through improving animal stocks, establishing breeding enterprises, increasing fodder crop production, raising the income levels of livestock producers, and applying a contract-farming model.

Sheep, the common goat, the Angora goat whose homeland is Turkey and cattle constitute 59%, 15%, 1% and 22% of the existing animal total in Turkey respectively. The figures above clearly elucidate that sheep constitute the most significant animal husbandry in Turkey. Climate and geography also have an important bearing on the location and type of animal husbandry carried out in the country. Intensive animal husbandry is carried out in the regions of Western Anatolia and Trache.

Milk is produced throughout the country. Besides, production plants have employed high technology and integrated with their suppliers. In order to meet their requirements industry sometimes is supplied through imports. There are capacity expansion and modernization investments to increase the productivity. This would have easy access to new products, to be a step ahead among competitors in the sector.

Domestic consumption of poultry meat has grown most quickly, largely displacing traditional meats such us lamb, mutton and goat. Lower price of chicken meat against red meat rocketed its consumption in the domestic market.