World

Cattle shipment to Indonesia arrives

09:48 am on 17 August 2011

The first cattle shipped to Indonesia under new export rules have arrived at a port in south Sumatra.

The ABC reports a total of 4000 cattle arrived from Darwin after the resumption of the live export trade, which was suspended by the Australian government in May.

Two livestock companies, Elders and Austrex, shipped cattle from Darwin last week; Austrex shipped a day later, but its cattle were the first to arrive.

In a statement, the company said it has invested heavily in ensuring all cattle will be treated in accordance with recommended welfare standards.

Austrex said producers and Indonesian customers were relieved exports had resumed.

Another large exporter, Wellards, has received permission and will soon be the third company to send cattle to Indonesia.