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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • beef cattle

    Southern beef - dry season management

    16 April 2024

    South West cattle producers and small landholders are being affected by an extended dry season where available annual pasture and feed reserves are being depleted.

  • 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.

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    Resources, tools and calculators for cattle and grazing management

    2 May 2024

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

  • 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.

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    Managing the beef breeder herd in southern Western Australia

    18 February 2014

    Kilograms of beef produced per hectare is a significant driver of profit for a beef business. Cow longevity (length of productive life) plays an important role in achieving a profitable business.

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