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

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.
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 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.
Sheep management and reproduction

9 December 2013

Wool and sheepmeat production systems rely on the breeding ewe — how she is managed sets up the efficiency and profitability of both the ewe and weaner flock.
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
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.