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

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.
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.
Joining – setting the potential of your ewe flock

15 November 2013

Joining is the time when the potential lambing of your flock is set, so make the most of it.
Reproduction potential and marking rates of the WA sheep flock

2 May 2019

Reproduction rates (foetuses per ewe joined) across the WA flock vary hugely and depend on seasonal conditions and nutrition. Marking rates in 2017 across the agricultural region for Merinos was
Preventing calf scours in beef herds

28 November 2013

‘Calf scours’ is when young calves develop diarrhoea and become dehydrated. The scour can be white, yellow, grey or blood-stained, and is often foul-smelling.
Pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia of ewes

12 December 2013

Pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia affect lambing ewe flocks and have similar signs but different causes.
Time of lambing

15 November 2013

Choosing the best time of lambing, and matching paddock feed availability to ewe and weaner needs is important for both productivity and profitability.
Poultry biosecurity checklist for small landholders

2 December 2013

The poultry biosecurity checklist summarises the actions needed to protect your poultry and the Western Australian poultry industry from the devastating effects of emergency diseases such as avian
Mastitis in sheep

3 December 2013

Mastitis is the term for a bacterial infection of the udder. It is most common in ewes raising multiple lambs or with high milk production.