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

  • Silos filled with grain on a farm.

    Alternative energy and protein feed sources for sheep and cattle

    11 December 2013

    During dry times and drought there are a wide range of alternative feedstuffs producers may consider using to maintain stock.

  • weaner sheep in a paddock at the breeak of season.

    Annual pasture quantity and quality in South West Western Australia

    26 November 2013

    The productivity of sheep is largely governed by the amount of pasture they eat and this is influenced by the quantity of the pasture on offer and its quality.

  • Hardship Support Grant

    6 May 2024

    Many agricultural areas in Western Australia are experiencing drought conditions due to unseasonably low rainfall and higher-than-average daytime temperatures since October 2023.

  • Position of the hand on the sheeps back for condition scoring sheep. The thumb should be placed on the backbone and the fingers feeling the short ribs.

    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.

  • 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.

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