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

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.
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.
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
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.
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.