Strong growth in cattle, poultry, swine and aquaculture operations boosts international performance as Zoetis accelerates livestock innovation and genomics strategy

Zoetis reported strong momentum in its livestock business during the first quarter of 2026, driven by rising demand for cattle, poultry, swine and aquaculture products across global markets as the company deepened its focus on livestock innovation, disease management and genomic technologies.

The world’s largest animal health company posted first-quarter revenue of $2.3 billion, up 3 per cent year-on-year, supported by broad-based growth in livestock operations despite a more challenging operating environment in parts of its companion animal business.

Zoetis revised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $9.68 billion to $9.96 billion and expects organic operational revenue growth of 2 per cent to 5 per cent.

The company also updated guidance for organic operational growth in adjusted net income to 2 per cent to 6 per cent and revised adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance to between $6.85 and $7.00.

Within its U.S. operations, revenue declined 8 per cent year-on-year to $1.1 billion during the quarter. However, livestock product sales in the United States increased 7 per cent on both a reported and organic operational basis, supported by strong performance across cattle, poultry and swine businesses.

Zoetis said cattle growth was driven primarily by favourable producer economics in the beef segment, supply timing and expanded targeted use of parasiticides in response to concerns related to New World screwworm infestations.

Poultry operations benefited from increased vaccine demand linked to disease outbreak activity, while swine growth reflected improved product availability for a key antibiotic portfolio.

International operations delivered significantly stronger performance during the quarter.

Revenue from Zoetis’ international segment rose 17 per cent on a reported basis and 10 per cent on an organic operational basis to approximately $1.1 billion compared with the same period last year.

International livestock product sales increased 19 per cent on a reported basis and 14 per cent on an organic operational basis, driven by broad-based growth across all major livestock species, including cattle, swine, poultry and fish farming.

The company attributed the performance to strong end-market demand, supply recovery and the timing of price increases across several international markets.

Zoetis also said international revenue received an estimated $100 million boost during the quarter from operational changes linked to its fiscal year alignment initiative. The increase was driven by the timing of pricing adjustments in certain overseas markets, delayed processing of customer orders referenced in the company’s 2025 results and comparative performance changes against a particularly strong fourth quarter in 2024.

“The breadth of our portfolio continues to be a strength, particularly in international and livestock markets,” said Kristin Peck, Chief Executive Officer of Zoetis.

“With a robust pipeline of more than 12 potential blockbuster innovations and a proven science-to-scale model, we remain focused on supporting producers with technologies that improve animal health, productivity and sustainability,” Peck said.

A major focus for Zoetis during the quarter was the expansion of its livestock genomics and precision agriculture strategy.

In March, the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire the animal genomics business of Neogen Corporation, a move aimed at strengthening Zoetis’ capabilities in predictive livestock genetics, data analytics and individualized animal care.

The acquisition is expected to accelerate Zoetis’ livestock genetics portfolio and expand its genomic technologies and predictive insights capabilities across major livestock species. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Zoetis also expanded its dairy genetics and sustainability platform during the quarter through enhancements to CLARIFIDE Plus and updates to the Dairy Wellness Profit Index.

The updated platform introduces new traits focused on environmental stewardship and heat resilience, enabling dairy producers to better evaluate herd sustainability, productivity and long-term climate resilience.

The company said the new tools are designed to help producers improve profitability while strengthening herd performance under increasingly volatile environmental conditions.

Zoetis has increasingly positioned livestock innovation, disease prevention and genomics as central pillars of its long-term agricultural growth strategy amid rising global demand for protein production efficiency and sustainable farming systems.

The company’s livestock portfolio spans vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, genetics and precision animal health technologies serving cattle, poultry, swine, aquaculture and dairy sectors worldwide.