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

Tools, calculators and resources for sheep and grazing management

15 November 2013

These tools, calculators and resources are designed to help producers manage their ewe flock more effectively and make better management decisions about feed budgeting and grazing.
Ovine brucellosis

10 July 2014

Ovine brucellosis is a reproductive disease that can affect all breeds of sheep.
Flystrike management tools

18 November 2013

To make sure that any chemical application doesn’t leave you short on protection or break your withholding periods, the Flystrike Assist application (mobile app for iOS and Android) has been devel
Managing virulent footrot in sheep and goats in Western Australia

17 February 2015

There are two forms of footrot in sheep and goats: virulent and benign. They are caused by infection with different strains of the bacterium, Dichelobacter nodosus.
Benign footrot in sheep and goats in Western Australia

18 February 2015

There are two main forms of footrot in sheep and goats: virulent and benign. Both forms are caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus.
Bluetongue virus

8 July 2014

Bluetongue virus can infect all ruminants but it usually only causes serious disease in sheep. Cattle may be infected with the virus but rarely show disease.
Johne's disease (JD) in sheep

5 December 2013

This webpage describes the signs of Johne’s disease (JD) in sheep, how it spreads, and testing options.
Managing blue-green algae on farms in Western Australia

2 December 2014

Blue-green algae are a group of algae including Nodularia spumigena, Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena circinalis.
Selenium and/or vitamin E deficiencies in sheep

13 December 2013

Selenium and vitamin E are essential in sheep diets, and work together to prevent and repair cell damage in the body.
Johne's disease (JD) in sheep: biosecurity practices and management options

9 December 2013

This webpage outlines the market impacts of a Johne’s disease (JD) diagnosis, biosecurity practices to reduce the likelihood of JD in sheep occurring on your property, the SheepMAP program, and opt