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

Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

1 September 2021

The State's Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) is a non-statutory body established to provide independent and expert advice to the Minister for Agriculture and Food on animal welfare related
Future Sheep - Climate adaptation to ensure a sustainable WA sheep industry

12 April 2022

The project’s purpose is to help protect the profitability of WA sheep production in the face of climate change, increasing climate variability and increasing demand to mitigate greenhouse gas emis
Carbon Life Cycle Analysis for the Western Australian sheep industry

12 March 2021

In support of the State Government’s commitment to reducing industry emissions and mitigating climate change, DPIRD has undertaken a life cycle assessment (LCA) for the sheep industry in Western Au
Wildlife Animal Ethics Committee (WAEC)

30 March 2022

The care and use of animals in Western Australia are subject to provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (the Act), which provides for the welfare, safety, and health of animals used for
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.
Carbon Calculators – Western Australian example farms

16 November 2021

Agricultural practices and farming systems produce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. These emissions are mainly in the forms of methane and nitrous oxides.
How to calculate the carbon emissions from your own farm business

7 June 2021

Farming systems produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily in the form of methane (mostly caused by animal digestion and respiration) and nitrous oxide (mostly from fertilisers).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions for WA Agriculture

7 June 2021

Each year the Federal Government estimates the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and reports by sector via the National GHG Inventory.
Significant Disease Investigation Program

29 November 2013

Western Australia is free of most of the significant diseases that affect animals in other parts of the world.
Surveillance incentives for WA livestock producers

20 August 2019

Western Australian producers can access a variety of subsidies for disease investigations in livestock that will minimise the cost of calling a vet and maximise the benefits.