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.

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Articles

  • Nine pink adult free range pigs standing in various positions on dirt.

    Pig genetics

    14 January 2014

    The genetic potential of pigs can have a major influence on the productivity and profitability of a pig enterprise.

  • A mob of sheep has been yarded with the closest sheep having visible areas of pulled wool over the entire fleece but very apparent in the flank area.

    Prevent sheep lice with biosecurity and planning

    6 December 2013

    Sheep farmers can save money and time eradicating new lice infestations by taking simple biosecurity measures that become part of normal management programs.

  • Example screens from the iPad app 'Sheep Condition Score'.

    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.

  • Unmarked Merino lambs in the yard

    Best practice marking of lambs

    28 November 2013

    Lambs should be marked between the ages of two and 12 weeks, with the youngest animal in the mob being at least 24 hours old so that a maternal bond can form.

  • Lucilia cuprina - the main species of blowfly that initiates about 90% of all strikes is the Australian sheep blowfly

    Managing non-mulesed sheep

    5 December 2013

    The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been involved in a variety of research projects to help producers manage non mulesed sheep.

  • Ewes with lambs at foot

    Sheep pregnancy scanning benchmarks

    10 October 2019

    Sheep pregnancy scanning occurs at around 90 days after joining and is performed by a skilled operator using an ultrasound scanner.

  • Merino ewes grazing

    Optimising sheep flock structure

    19 September 2019

    Selling or changing breeding numbers can have a profound impact on the on-going structure of the flock.  It is important to determine the changes to the flock over many years to understand the impa

  • Sheep flock composition calculator

    3 October 2019

    Use this tool to determine the impact on flock structure over six years of changes made to retaining or selling classes of sheep or changing the weaning ratio.

  • Young Merino lambs waiting to be marked.

    Setting up your sheep enterprise

    25 November 2013

    The way the sheep enterprise is managed, including infrastructure and the pasture system, will influence the profitability of the enterprise and be reflected in the cost of production and the labou

  • State Barrier Fence with the installation of lap wire which has upgraded the fence to wild dog standard

    State Barrier Fence effectiveness surveys

    17 January 2014

    A grower suvey and benefit cost analysis on the State Barrier Fence has demonstrated the positive impact the fence is having on wild dog management.

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