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

  • Pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia) is a disease of sheep, goats and cattle.

  • Nasal bots are the maggots or larvae of the sheep nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis.

  • 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

  • Photosensitisation is inflammation of the skin, and occasionally the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.

  • Arthritis means inflammation in one or more joints. In sheep, it is usually the result of bacterial infection.

  • Feel like you’re dealing with your flock around the clock? Maybe it’s time to get yourself a better deal.

  • Wool is called ‘tender’ when it is discounted for low staple strength. The point at which price discounts start depends on the market and the fibre diameter.

  • The health and nutrition of the pregnant ewe largely determines how successful lambing is in any given year.

  • The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is a serious parasite of ruminants, which can cause severe damage to the liver and consequently disease, production loss and even death.

  • Established in 2003, EverGraze was designed to develop, test and implement new farming systems based on perennials in a range of environments across the high rainfall zone of southern Australia.

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