Management & reproduction

Reproductive rate varies widely among livestock species. Nonetheless, efficient reproduction is critical to profitability in all livestock industries. Nutrition and genetics are the key drivers of efficient reproduction. However, there are many other facets of management such as, behaviour, use of technology and housing that must also be taken into consideration if farm enterprises are to raise their reproductive rate.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducts research, development and extension activities in collaboration with industry partners to improve the productivity of the main livestock species. The objective is to support the economic development of the state by improving the profitability of Western Australian farm enterprises.

Articles

Sheep management – Making good decisions in Summer and Autumn in Western Australia

6 March 2020

To avoid problems and take advantage of opportunities, managers need to be well informed, make good decisions and take timely action.
Early weaning of lambs in a poor season

6 March 2014

The feed requirements of a ewe with a lamb at foot are higher than if the ewe and lambs are fed separately. In a difficult season with short feed supplies, it is better to early-wean lambs from the
Managing the beef breeder herd in southern Western Australia

18 February 2014

Kilograms of beef produced per hectare is a significant driver of profit for a beef business. Cow longevity (length of productive life) plays an important role in achieving a profitable business.
Condition scoring of sheep

29 October 2013

Condition scoring sheep is an easy and accurate method of estimating the condition or 'nutritional well being' of your sheep flock.
Breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle

13 December 2013

This section contains information relating to breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle. Topics covered include body condition score, heifer management and breeder management.
State Barrier Fence overview

16 January 2014

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) provides the authority for regulations to be made for the erection and maintenance of barrier fences as a means of controlling
Pasture condition guide for the Kimberley, Western Australia

27 March 2014

This pasture condition guide can be used from the web pages or by downloading the linked documents.
Livestock identification and movement: goats

22 September 2015

Western Australia has a mandatory livestock ownership, identification and movement system.
Opportunities for individual sheep management in Western Australia

12 March 2018

Sheep managers can use electronic identification (EID) technology and automatic readers to manage individual sheep in a flock.
Controlling high backfat (P2) in finisher pigs

15 January 2014

There are a number of factors that may contribute to pigs having high backfat (P2) and therefore graded fatter than what is required by the market.