Livestock management

Management of livestock must take into account variable seasonal factors, fluctuating markets and declining terms of trade. The most successful producers have a good knowledge of market requirements, matching product quality to suit. There are many factors that can determine the productivity and profitability of a livestock enterprise. These include the supply and quality of feedstuffs, the use of the most appropriate genetics, ensuring high health standards, optimising housing or environmental conditions, meeting quality assurance requirements, and having a sound knowledge of market requirements. This requires good communication along the value chain.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has technical expertise in a range of areas related to livestock management but acknowledges that there are many other sources of information that producers should be encouraged to seek out. There are many grower groups who play an important role in encouraging discussion amongst producers to improve adoption of new technology, as do private consultants and university scientists.

Articles

  • There are a number of factors that may contribute to pigs having high backfat (P2) and therefore graded fatter than what is required by the market.

  • The genetic potential of pigs can have a major influence on the productivity and profitability of a pig enterprise.

  • The Genetic Resource Flock of Western Australia, previously called the Information Nucleus Flock, was established by the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) in 2007 and is now funded by M

  • Weaning percentage and therefore conception rate, can significantly influence profitability in the breeder herd.

  • Genetic selection enables both wool and sheep producers to make positive and permanent genetic gains in their flock.

  • An on-farm ram comparison is designed to improve your ability, as a commercial sheep producer, to confirm the suitability of a ram source for your flock.

  • Wool growers can achieve their breeding objectives by retaining superior breeding stock and by choosing superior rams.

  • Most of us benchmark our flock by eye; comparing our sheep with our neighbours' animals across the fence, or when talking with other farmers.

  • The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) carries out genetic research in sheep and contributes to developing modern tools to assist breeders in their success to breed b

  • Cattle producers regularly make visual assessments of their cattle.