The report summarises the performance of the livestock export industry in terms of mortality levels of sheep, cattle and goats exported by sea from Australia during 2008, and provides a breakdown by species and major destinations.

The report found there was a 99.16 per cent success rate for sheep, a 99.88pc success rate among cattle and a 99.49pc success rate among goats exported from Australia in 2008.

All were improvements on the mortality rates observed in 2007.

LiveCorp chief executive officer Cameron Hall said animal welfare is a priority for the industry and the industry was investing in ongoing improvements in Australia, onboard vessels and in overseas marketplaces.

"Our industry is committed to transparency," Mr Hall said.

"We want the people of Australia to see how we're doing in terms of animal welfare and the good outcomes we're continuing to deliver for Australian livestock.

"Australian stockmen on board all voyages, with accredited Australian vets on all vessels to the Middle East, monitor and care for the livestock along with a crew who also ensures all animals are well fed, watered and in good condition.

"The pens the animals travel in provide enough room for all livestock to move around, lie down and access the constantly available food and water.

"Any animal that is sick or injured is placed into a hospital pen and given extra care."

WA continued to lead the way in sheep export numbers with Fremantle the main port of loading. In 2008, 3.1 millioon sheep were exported out of Fremantle, with a mortality rate of 0.86pc.

This was followed by Portland, Victoria, (0.6 million sheep exported with mortality rate of 0.63%) and Adelaide (0.4 million sheep exported with mortality rate of 0.97%).

A seasonal difference in mortality between the first and second half of the year was observed for the first time in hoggets and lambs.