The Export Of Australian Sheep

The majority of sheep are exported from the port of Fremantle in Western Australia, with almost three quarters of Australian sheep exported from this port in 2009. Over 50% of sheep from the sheep production industry in Western Australia are exported live overseas, making the industry especially important to the Western Australian economy. Other ports that export live sheep include Portland and Port Adelaide. People don't usually raise sheep for pets and to some the idea is kind of "out there." However, if you are one of those unconventional pet owners or collectors, or you have a thing for farm animal pets, or you simply want something wooly and says "baaaa," then we can't blame you-love for pets should be universal, what ever kind they may be. Sheep prefer to eat weeds, grass and clover. They're diet isn't very strict and would even eat plants you don't want them to eat or vegetable in your garden. A mature sheep only requires eating about 2 percent of its body weight per day. It only requires 8 to 10 percent of protein in its diet.

Australian sheep are exported to countries across the Middle East, primarily Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE. In 2009 over 3.5 million sheep were exported to these countries, with Kuwait taking 950,000 head and and Bahrain taking 747,000 head of sheep respectively. The live export of sheep from Australia to the Middle East is vitally important to the food security of the region, with Australian sheep providing an affordable and secure source of protein for communities in the region. This includes funding full time staff based in the Middle East and expert consultants who travel to the Middle East to upgrade facilities such as feedlots, ports and abattoirs, as well as to provide sheep handling training.

Australian sheep are transported to abattoirs that have also been upgraded by the Australian industry. Training is provided to staff at these abattoirs, and specialised equipment to assist local staff to process Australian sheep in accordance with the internationally recognised World Organisation for Animal Health standards is also installed. Australia is also involved in the meat export industry, exporting chilled and frozen beef, sheep and goat meat products to countries across the world in addition to exporting livestock. This is because there is demand for red meat products as well as livestock from overseas countries, and Meat and Livestock Australia invests in promoting all of these products to consumers overseas. This includes employing a team of animal welfare experts that work with local veterinarians, stockmen, truck drivers, feedlot operators and port staff to improve how Australian sheep are cared for in the region.