Animal Sciences Commons^™

Livestock Water Requirements And Water Budgeting For South West Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Adequate supplies of good quality stock water are just as important as feed supplies during summer, a period when feed and water quantity and quality are at their lowest in the agricultural areas of Western Australia.

Information on this page will help livestock owners to calculate a water budget – before problems develop – to complement a feed budget.

Live Cattle Assessment, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Cattle producers regularly make visual assessments of their cattle. Frame, structure, muscularity, fatness and condition score can all be assessed by visual appraisal. Some traits cannot be assessed visually (for example fertility or marbling). To evaluate the genetic merit of an animal, estimated breeding values (EBVs) can be used.

Water Quality For Livestock, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Measure water quality and quantity to effectively plan and monitor water supplies for livestock. If water quality is poor, livestock may drink less than they need, or rarely, may stop drinking altogether. When animals drink less, they will eat less and lose condition, and if they are lactating, their milk production will reduce or cease.

Water quality for livestock in Western Australia is most affected by water salinity, and the presence of water contaminants such as blue-green algae, organic material, heavy metals and chemicals.

Alternative Energy And Protein Feed Sources For Sheep And Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

During dry times and drought there are a wide range of alternative feedstuffs producers may consider using to maintain stock. Some of these feeds can have health risks associated with them and should not be used as the sole food source as they often lack sufficient energy and protein.

Breeder And Heifer Management For Rangeland Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

This section contains information relating to breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle. Topics covered include body condition score, heifer management and breeder management.

Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2022/2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) sheep and goat industry. The Scheme was established by regulation under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable sheep and goat producers to identify pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Sheep and Goat IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in …

Genomic Population Structure Of Great Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna Mokarran) Across The Indo-Pacific, Naomi L. Brunjes, Samuel M. Williams, Alexis L. Levengood, Matt K. Broadhurst, Vincent Raoult, Alastair V. Harry, Matias Braccini, Madeline E. Green, Julia L. Y. Spaet, Michael J. Travers, Bonnie J. Holmes

Fisheries Research Articles

Context

Currently, little information exists describing the population structure of great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) in Australian waters. Aims

This study used single nucleotide polymorphisms to investigate fine-scale population structure in S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. Methods

DNA was extracted from 235 individuals across six Australian locations and a Red Sea outgroup. Population parameters were calculated and visualised to test structuring across locations. Key results

No fine-scale population structuring was observed for S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. However, population structuring occurred for all Australian locations when compared to the Red Sea outgroup. Conclusions

Findings suggest a single stock …

The Social And Economic Dimensions Of One Of The World’S Longest-Operating Shark Fisheries, Matias Braccini, Maddison Watt, Clinton Syers, Nick Blay, Matthew Navarro, Michael Burton

Fisheries Research Articles

Context

Social and economic information is limited for coastal commercial and recreational fisheries, particularly shark fisheries, which are perceived as unsustainable and as targeting sharks for fins.

Aims

To characterise the social and economic dimensions of one of the world’s few long-standing sustainable shark fisheries.

Methods

We reviewed historic data and surveyed stakeholders to understand the economic and social dimensions of the shark fishery currently operating in Western Australia.

Key results

Since the fishery’s historic peak, there has been a substantial reduction in the number of operating vessels and ports due to management intervention. For the vessels that have remained, …

Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2022/2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In June 2010 the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) was introduced to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) cattle industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable cattle producers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and to raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Cattle IFS, there is a Sheep and Goat IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner.

The purpose of …

Ecological Risk Assessment For The Western Australian Large Pelagic Fish Resource, Kimberley A. Smith, Paul Lewis, Kendra Travaille, Brett M. Crisafulli, Liv Rynvis, Gabby E. Mitsopoulos

Fisheries Research Reports

In December 2023, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, the Department) convened an ecological risk assessment (ERA) of the fisheries that access the Statewide Large Pelagic Fish Resource (Resource). This Resource comprises a range of tropical and temperate species including mackerels, billfish, kingfish, cobia, mahi mahi and tunas. This document contains the background information used to support the ERA risk scoring process, scoring from the workshop and a summary of the workshop discussions that were relevant to the risk scoring. This includes an overview of Western Australian commercial fisheries that access the Resource, with a focus on …

Ecological Risk Assessment For The Western Australian Cephalopod Resource, Cameron J. Desfosses, Kimberley A. Smith, Lachlan W.S. Strain, Dave Murphy, Keyley Hogan-West, Daniel Yeoh, Shannon Burchert, Linda Wiberg, Bec Oliver, Brett M. Crisafulli, Gabby E. Mitsopoulos

Fisheries Research Reports

On 27 October 2023, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) convened an ecological risk assessment (ERA) of the fisheries that access the statewide Cephalopod Resource (Resource), which comprises a range of octopus, squid and cuttlefish species. This document contains the background information used to support the ERA risk scoring process, and a summary of the workshop discussions that were relevant to the risk scoring. The background information includes an overview of Western Australian commercial fisheries that access the Resource, focusing primarily on the Octopus Interim Managed Fishery (OIMF), Cockburn Sound Line and Pot Managed Fishery (CSLPMF), …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No.146 - Yabbie Aquaculture In Western Australia, March 2024, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Policy relating to the assessment of yabbie aquaculture proposals and principles for assessment

Metropolitan Monitoring Program 2023, Alissa C. Tate, Lucy J. Rudd, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan

Fisheries Research Reports

Annual surveys of shore- and boat-based recreational fishers within the Metropolitan zone of the West Coast bioregion provide information on human dimensions and catch-per-fisher as well as mean length and weight of key recreationally caught species. For shore-based fishers, estimates of effort, catch and harvest are also presented for key nearshore species. This information is used to support ongoing assessments for key demersal and nearshore species and review the effectiveness of fisheries managements, such as Australian Herring and Southern Garfish.

A roving creel survey of shore-based fishers was used to collect data between Ocean Reef and Point Peron (30% of …

Variations In Life-History Traits In Exploited And Unexploited Populations Of Perth Herring (Nematalosa Vlaminghi): Evidence For Density-Dependent Growth?, Kimberley A. Smith, Sybrand Alexander Hesp, Peter Graham Coulson

Fisheries Research Articles

Results supported the hypothesis of faster growth in exploited populations because of density-dependent processes. Environmental factors may also have contributed to trait differences between populations.

Long Term Sustainable Use Of Demersal Gillnet And Demersal Longline In Western Australia’S Temperate Shark Fisheries - Fisheries Research Report 340, Matias Braccini, Jack Parker, Daniela Waltrick, Maddison Watt, Nick Blay, Clinton Syers

Fisheries Research Reports

The Temperate Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fisheries (TDGDLF) are one of the main commercial shark fisheries in Australia. Most fishers in the TDGDLF use demersal gillnets to target sharks with scalefish taken in smaller amounts. Demersal longlines are also permitted but are not widely used. Demersal gillnets are size selective, but they do not necessarily discriminate among species, catching target and non-target species.

The Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) received funding as part of the Australian Government’s Our Marine Parks Grants Program to undertake research on the TDGDLF. This project was administered under the direction of a steering …

Fisheries Research Report No. 339: Assessment Of The Status Of The South Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource, Jeffrey V. Norriss, Sybrand A. Hesp, David V. Fairclough, Rubie Evans-Powell, B. Hancock, Emily A. Fisher, Tim Leary, Nick Jarvis

Fisheries Research Reports

This document provides the 2023 risk-based weight of evidence stock assessments for snapper, Bight redfish, hapuku, blue morwong, and Western blue groper for 2023 in the South Coast Bioregion (SCB).

Fisheries Research Report No. 338: Assessment Of The Status Of The Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource, Corey Wakefield, Ainslie Denham, Fabian Trinnie, Sybrand A. Hesp, Rachel Marks, Dion Boddington, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Research Reports

Executive Summary

For this assessment of the Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource (PDSR) of Western Australia, red emperor and bluespotted emperor are the indicator species used to represent the status of the resource. In addition, goldband snapper, though not an indicator species, is relatively abundant in the annual catches, particularly in deeper waters (around 100 m) and in the western Pilbara region and its status has also been assessed.

Puerulus Settlement Forecasting In A Harvest Strategy Evaluation Of The Rock Lobster Fishery In South Australia, Richard Mcgarvey, Adrian Linnane, John E. Feenstra, Janet M. Matthews, Lachlan J. Mcleay, Annabel Jones, Kyriakos Toumazos, Simon De Lestang

Fisheries Research Articles

Harvest strategies are utilised in the management of fishery resources globally. Critical to their success is harvest strategy evaluation, whereby future performance is assessed through projection modelling. Using the observed relationship between a puerulus settlement index and model-estimated recruitment, we evaluated a southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) harvest strategy in South Australia. Short-to-medium puerulus settlement recruitment forecasting was incorporated into future projections of catch, catch per unit effort, and percent unexploited egg production (%UEP) during 2019–2022. Observed values of indicators that closely aligned with projected outputs indicated that puerulus forecasting underpinned reliable evaluation of future fishery performance. A …

Fisheries Research Report No. 346: West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource Synopsis 2024, Emily A. Fisher, David Fairclough

Fisheries Research Reports

The West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource (WCDSR) comprises over 100 species that inhabit inshore (20-250 m deep) and offshore ( > 250 m deep) waters of the West Coast Bioregion (WCB; north of Kalbarri to east of Augusta).

The WCB is predominantly a temperate oceanic zone with these waters influenced by the Leeuwin Current that transports warm, low-nutrient water southward along the western edge of the continental shelf.

To monitor and assess the WCDSR, indicator species have been selected using a risk-based approach that considers their inherent vulnerability to fishing, level of targeting and catch taken by fishers, and the amount …

Greenfeed Methane Measuring Machine, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) now has the cutting-edge GreenFeed machine which measures emissions from individual cows and sheep, allowing us to determine Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions more accurately in the paddock.

Joining - Setting The Potential Of Your Ewe Flock, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Joining is the time when the potential lambing of your flock is set, so make the most of it.

Preparation of ewes and rams for joining should start 8 weeks prior to joining for the greatest benefit.

Key tactical decisions around ewe and ram health and nutrition should be made prior to joining. This should ideally start 8 weeks before joining as the impact of nutrition, shearing and teasing take time to influence joining success.

The majority of the ewes in Western Australia are seasonal breeders. The spontaneous cycling in Merinos and breeds such as Poll Dorset are least affected …

The Impact Of Changing Joining Rates On The Western Australian Sheep Flock, Kate Pritchett

Animal production and livestock research reports

Given the poor seasonal conditions and low prices experienced in 2023/24, the Western Australian (WA) sheep industry is experiencing a period of very poor industry sentiment often compared to that seen in the 1990’s following the collapse of the wool reserve price scheme.

These difficult times mean producers have had to make production decisions for their businesses which may have flow on effects for the entire state flock. One commonly discussed option by industry and consultants was to join less ewes to reduce the feed burden on farm and help mitigate losses due to low prices. This computer modelling aimed …

State Barrier Fence - Esperance Extension Project Overview 2024, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Western Australia’s State Barrier Fence plays an important role in protecting landholders inside the fence by preventing the movement of animal pests, including wild dogs and emus, from pastoral areas into the agricultural regions. It is a state asset which is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The original fences (numbers 1, 2 and 3) were constructed between 1902 and 1907. Originally known as the Rabbit Proof Fences, it has also been known as the State Vermin Fence, the Emu Fence and now the State Barrier Fence. Since 2010, the fence has been upgraded to wild …

Carbon Neutral By 2030 - Katanning Research Station, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Climate Science Published Reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Katanning Research Station (KRS) is developing practical techniques and methods for mitigating carbon emissions from the livestock industry.

This research will help the livestock industry in Western Australia (WA) access anticipated future markets for carbon neutral food and fibre products.

A Large-Scale Experiment Finds No Consistent Evidence Of Change In Mortality Or Commercial Productivity In Silverlip Pearl Oysters (Pinctada Maxima) Exposed To A Seismic Source Survey, Miles J G Parsons, Diego R. Barneche, Conrad W. Speed, Robert D. Mccauley, Ryan D. Day, Cecile Dang, Rebecca Fisher, Hosna Gholipour-Kanani, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Research Articles

High-intensity, impulsive sounds are used to locate oil and gas reserves during seismic exploration of the seafloor. The impacts of this noise pollution on the health and mortality of marine invertebrates are not well known, including the silverlip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima), which comprises one of the world's last remaining significant wildstock pearl oyster fisheries, in northwestern Australia. We exposed ≈11,000 P. maxima to a four-day experimental seismic survey, plus one vessel-control day. After exposure, survival rates were monitored throughout a full two-year production cycle, and the number and quality of pearls produced at harvest were assessed. Oysters from two …

State Of The Fisheries: Status Reports And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2022/23, S.J. Newman, K.G. Santoro, D.J. Gaughan

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Aquatic resources within Western Australia (WA) are in good condition, and this has positioned WA as a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. The sustainable fisheries of WA continue to support our strong economy and regional communities. Nonetheless, the lack of a consistent approach to build in the knowledge of Traditional Owners remains a gap in our longer term fisheries science in Western Australia.

Climate change and climate variability continues to impact fish stocks, challenging our ability to effectively monitor, assess, and manage fish stocks. We are continually working with our stakeholders, and the broader community to be adaptive, responsive, …

An Integrated Approach For Assessing The Survival Of Discarded Sandbar Sharks, Carcharhinus Plumbeus, Captured In Scientific Longlines, Taylor Grosse, Cynthia Awruch, Euan S. Harvey, Benjamin J. Saunders, Chris Dowling, Daniela Waltrick, Matias Braccini

Fisheries Research Articles

Context

The sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) has a global distribution and is caught by commercial fishers and recreational anglers. Aims

To assess the stress physiology, release condition, and post-release survival of sandbar sharks caught in longline surveys conducted in Western Australia. Methods

Post-release survival of sandbar sharks caught in longlining surveys was assessed using an integrated approach that combined the use of hook-timers, qualitative release conditions, satellite-tagging, and blood physiology. Key results

Of 57 individuals examined, there was 100% post-capture survival after a maximum of 4 h on the hook. Most of these animals (88%) displayed a strong …

Grazing Stubbles And Dry Pasture, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Dry pastures in Western Australia provide good early feed after senescence but rapidly become unable to maintain stock. Stubbles are the major feed source for sheep during the summer-autumn period.

While there is often up to three tonnes of dry plant material per hectare available, sheep grazing stubbles eat only about 6% of it. With increased harvesting efficiency and better weed control, stubble paddocks now generally contain less grain and fewer weeds than in the past.

Fisheries Science Update - Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource - November 2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Key points: 2023 stock assessment outcomes:

• The Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource (PDSR) spans from the North West Cape to 120ºE and comprises over 60 demersal scalefish species, including indicator species red emperor, rankin cod, and bluespotted emperor.
• The PDSR is accessed by recreational fishers, charter operators and three commercial fisheries: Pilbara Fish Trawl (Interim) Managed Fishery, Pilbara Trap Managed Fishery, and the Pilbara Line Fishery.
• The PDSR is a key ‘food bowl’ for Western Australia, supplying the local market with about 2,500 tonnes of demersal scalefish annually.
• The PDSR provides unique and valuable recreational fishing opportunities at locations such as …

Fisheries Science Update - Spanish Mackerel - November 2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Key Points: 2023 stock assessment:

• The statewide large pelagic finfish resource (SWLPR) is distributed throughout Western Australia (WA) and includes a range of tropical and temperate pelagic species.
• Spanish mackerel is an indicator species for the SWLPR.
• The latest stock assessment provides a ‘health check” on the status of WA Spanish mackerel statewide and in each management region.
• The 2023 stock assessment shows WA Spanish mackerel remains sustainable with some concerns in the Pilbara region.
• Current management measures are expected to maintain WA Spanish mackerel at an acceptable level outside the Pilbara region.
• The next Spanish Mackerel stock assessment is …