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.

Articles

Regulation of poultry production

30 January 2014

Legislation regulating the poultry industry covers a wide array of issues ranging from disease control, food health and safety, the environment (odour and noise emissions), to agricultural chemical
Lamb Survival Initiative

18 February 2015

The Lamb Survival Initiative was a program run through the former Sheep Business Innovation Project, which allowed sheep producers to explore the reproductive opportunities and limits within the ew
2020 Lambing Survey

2 December 2020

To better understand the impacts of poor and variable seasons on lambing and turnoff rates, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) conducts special short surveys on l
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
Managing manure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

13 November 2013

Managing manure to reduce emissions can be economically viable for larger enterprises or cooperative facilities that use the captured methane to generate heat and electricity.
Itch mite in sheep

5 December 2013

Itch mites are small, barely visible parasites of sheep; they live on the skin surface and cause rubbing and fleece chewing in a small proportion of infested animals.
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.
Sheep management – Making good decisions in Summer and Autumn in Western Australia

6 March 2020

To avoid problems and take advantage of opportunities, managers need to be well informed, make good decisions and take timely action.
Salt poisoning or water deprivation in pigs

26 February 2014

Salt poisoning or water deprivation in pigs can cause severe health problems, and in some cases it can become fatal.
Water: the forgotten nutrient for pigs

13 January 2014

Water is the most important nutrient for pigs. We often think about nutrients as only pig feed: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins.