In the last several decades, the financial performance of the major animal health companies has been driven by the companion animal market segment. Will we join Marty McFly and go Back to the Future where the livestock segment is the driver of performance? It seems that this is the case for 1Q26 as Merck, Elanco and Zoetis all posted strong livestock growth rates.
In 2025, for the first time in many years, the livestock segment grew faster than the companion animal segments in the largest animal health companies. Merck and Elanco both reported that in 1Q26, their livestock segments grew +8% and +13% respectively (adjusted for currency), double the rates of growth for their companion animal businesses. Zoetis also just reported 1Q26 results with livestock posting a growth rate of +12% (adjusted for currency and divestitures) while its companion animal segment declined. This, even though in January 2026, the size of the U.S. cattle herd hit a 75-year low of 86 million head. A report from Piper Sandler mentioned that in 2025, the number of beef cows dropped to the lowest levels since 1961. The 2025 calf numbers declined 2% and cattle on feed dropped 3%, indicating that an expansion in the cattle herd isn’t likely before 2028 if at all. Where is the growth coming from with these declining numbers?
Well, it must be coming from producers seeing the value in utilizing preventative treatments such as vaccines, medical feed additives and premium nutritional specialty products to protect the health of their valuable investments. In addition, international markets are strong and growing, especially in Latin America and Asia. Beyond preventative treatments, the investment in and use of technological solutions to manage herd health is taking hold. Those companies with strong global livestock product lines should see strength as the year progresses. Let’s see if Doc Brown’s Delorean with its flux capacitor, will continue the travels for the rest of 2026. If 1Q26 is any indication, that seems to be the case.
Randy Freides
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