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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Articles 1 - 4 of 4
Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences
Production From Heifers And First Calvers, G J. Sawyer
Production From Heifers And First Calvers, G J. Sawyer
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Heifers and first calvers present the major problems of the beef breeding herd. Reproduction rates, calf growth and survival of first calvers are generally much poorer than those of adult breeders.
Early successful reproductive performance is important in beef herds because of the high overhead cost of keeping breeding beef heifers or cows, Where possible, beef producers should aim to join heifers at 14 to 15 months of age. To achieve this goal, producers should set production targets for those animals. These targets will differ from farm to farm depending on when calves are turned off and the seasonal feed …
Analysing Feeds For Cattle, Sheep And Goats, D J. Barker
Analysing Feeds For Cattle, Sheep And Goats, D J. Barker
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The Department of Agriculture's Feed Evaluation Unit at Bunbury provides a service for farmers and allied industries on a fee-for-service basis, and conducts analyses for research officers, advisers and organisations such as the University ofWestern Australia. It also analyses feedstuffs for Departments of Agriculture in other States.
The Unit analyses about 5000 samples each year. The work load is high because no other laboratory in Western Australia provides the same service. Results are recorded on a computer which makes it easy t6o retrieve results of analyses of particular types of feedstuffs or froma particular owner or district.
Herd Improvement Service Forges Ahead, M P. Bond
Herd Improvement Service Forges Ahead, M P. Bond
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Since its establishment three years ago, the Herd Improvement Service has steadily expanded the range of services provided to Western Australian livestock producers. The genetic advancement and improved hers management offered by the service give farmers the ability to use modern technology in the most cost-effective way. There is an increasing realisation amongst farmers that to survive and remain competitive, it is worthwhile to invest in such technology.
The Herd Improvement Service is a statutory corporation which was formed to improve the productivity of the State's livestock enterprises. Most of the organisation's activities have been directed to servicing the dairy …
Dairy Herd Recording, R D. Maughan, Frank Treasure
Dairy Herd Recording, R D. Maughan, Frank Treasure
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Fifty-five percent or 320 of Western Australia's daity farmers participate in the dairy herd recording, the highest percentage of dairy farmers who use herd recording in any Australian State.
Herd recording provides the dairy farmer with an accurate measure and record of individual caw and hers performance. Information on milk, fat and protein production, the level of mastitis infection and breeding values assists the dairy farmer with his herd management and selection of cows. The herd recording facility is provided by the Herd Improvement Service and the fees are based on an annual herd fee and a lactation fee for …