Kollam district ranks first in livestock wealth in the State. Dairy farming is fairly well developed. There are 3.12 lakh milch cattle (1987-88 livestock census). A network of one district veterinary centre, 2 polyclinics, 48 veterinary dispensaries, 14 veterinary hospitals; and 167 artificial insemination centres, cater to the needs of the district. The number of cows increases annually by five per cent.

The major activities of the Animal Husbandry Department are Veterinary services and Animal Health Care, Disease Eradication Program, Cattle, Goat, Pig, and Poultry Development program, Control of Zoonotic diseases, Extension , Training program for Farmers and Veterinarians and Production of Biologicals.