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The halophytic shrubs of the West Australian (WA) semi -arid shrublands provide the microbes in the rumen of livestock with a relatively constant source of salt and rumen degradable nitrogen (RDN), but the supply of digestible organic matter (DOM) is often low. When the salt content of the drinking water is also high, the dietary preference of livestock is likely to be driven towards plant species with low salt content and adequate DOM. Perennial grasses are an important component of these species in shrublands as they can improve livestock productivity, especially in dry seasons. This dietary preference has important implications for livestock management when these species are in short supply. After decades
of continuous and sometimes high grazing pressure, the perennial grasses of the WA shrublands are now restricted to protected niches under shrubs and fallen branches. The task of regenerating sustainable livestock production may require changes to grazing management that will regenerate and maintain perennial grasses. Kangaroos must also be controlled, as de-stocking alone has been found to lead to a six-fold increase in kangaroo numbers.