Australia's live export cattle industry is looking to make a bold foray into United States markets.

Live export cattle consultant and veterinarian Dr Ross Ainsworth says the US needs help boosting its national herd, and could be interested in Australian live feeder cattle.

With reports that the US herd is at it’s lowest in decades, and the industry over there facing years of delay in restoring it, Dr Ainsworth says the US is looking for feeder cattle and “can take a full range of Australian cattle from British breeds to Brahmans”.

“They are also experiencing less live exports from Mexico and Canada, which are their usually sources,” Dr Ainsworth told the ABC.

“With the Australian dollar like it is and cattle prices in Australia still relatively low, finally they are in a position that makes live export sensible”

Logistically, shipping cattle to the US would be a shorter journey than if they were exported to Russia.

No matter the destination, cattle must be shipped from Australia in specialised ships, with very strict requirements on the conditions of the vessels.

But the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC) has doused the idea somewhat, saying that while negotiations are standard practice, any live cattle trade with the United States is a long way off.

“There are about 12 different priority markets [for commercial opportunities] at the moment listed, of which feeders to the US are one,” ALEC CEO Alison Penfold told reporters.

“It is a priority one market but there are a number of other markets too, like China, Mexico and others

“This is something exporters do, it doesn't necessarily mean that a trade will open up.

“It is simply exporters exploring opportunities, we are a fair way off.”