11/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - According to Eurostat statistics published on 14 June, the total number of cattle in the European Union, EU-25, is estimated to be 85.8 million, which represents a small decline (-0.7%) relative to the previous year, and continues the decline seen over several years. France and Germany, the two largest cattle producers, each recorded small decreases, -0.1% and -0.9% respectively. Gross indigenous production, recovery expected Gross indigenous production (GIP), slaughtering plus exports in live animals minus imports in live animals, decreased from 30.2 million head in 2004 to 28.5 million in 2005 (EU-25). However, production is forecast to rise to 29.1 million in 2006.