Livestock & animals

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development supply chain support, research and development and rigorous biosecurity systems underpin the economic success of Western Australia’s livestock industries. In 2011/12, the WA livestock industries contributed 26% of the state’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry production, worth approximately $2 billion at the farm gate.

WA is a world leader in live exports, super fine wool production and dryland sheep and grain systems. Both cattle and sheep systems are focused on export markets to Asia and the Middle East. WA also has innovative, world-class integrated dairy and pork industries meeting local and South East Asian demand for safe, fresh milk and pork. The WA poultry industry is growing strongly as a result of increasing domestic consumption.

Global demand for high-quality, safe animal protein and products produced according to high animal welfare standards will continue to rise in coming years. Increasingly DAFWA will partner with industry -- locally, nationally and internationally -- in transformational business projects to capitalise on this demand.

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Articles

  • sheep ear tag at gate

    Electronic identification for sheep and goats

    1 December 2022

    The adoption of mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats is a way of improving traceability pra

  • Cattle in a paddock

    Industry Funding Scheme Reports

    31 October 2013

    Industry Funding Schemes enable agricultural industries to raise funds for programs targeting biosecurity priorities. This page provides links to reports relating to the Industry Funding Schemes.

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    StockedUp e-newsletter

    27 February 2024

    The StockedUp e-newsletter is a quarterly publication from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, providing news related to WA’s sheep and cattle industries.

  • vet holding dog

    Animal Welfare Grant Program

    30 September 2021

    The Western Australian Government is supporting the welfare of companion animals and wildlife through grants for not-for-profit activities that foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and pr

  • Feeling the short ribs of a heifer in order to assess body condition.

    Live cattle assessment

    10 December 2013

    Cattle producers regularly make visual assessments of their cattle.

  • Cow leading her calf through a raceway.

    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.

  • Sheep drinking at a dam

    Water quality for livestock

    3 December 2014

    Measure water quality and quantity to effectively plan and monitor water supplies for livestock.

  • Weaner Merinos leaving the yards after being checked for flystrike.

    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

  • Canola in a paddock at different growth stages

    Making tough decisions about failed crops

    18 August 2017

    In poor growing seasons, crops may not be good enough to harvest.  Managers need to make some tough decisions, after assessing feed value for livestock, potential weed seed set, level of herbicide

  • To hold or sell breeding cattle in the rangelands

    5 September 2017

    In a dry season where feed, water and finances are limited, removing less productive animals as soon as possible is a good option.

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