The benefits of Phosphorus supplementation
:Read to the end for a link to a fantastic resource on phosphorus:
Phosphorus is an essential ingredient for the health of your cattle. In dry seasons and in dry areas, phosphorus is often lacking in grasses and forage. Finding methods of supplementation is often a necessary task. A deficiency in phosphorus can lead to a less productive herd, contributing to lower growth and reproduction rates.
Supplementation can have a massive impact on the health and profitability of your herd. A study done by the CSIRO in 2020 found that in the studied regions, phosphorus supplementation increased profitability substantially to the extent that some regions found a $500,000 increase in overall cattle production profits per annum. 1
The benefits of phosphorus supplementation include earlier sales at heavier weights, increased body condition score, increase milk production, higher numbers of heifers attaining critical mating weights earlier. Weight gain and reduced mortality rates have also been found to be a benefit of phosphorus supplementation. 2
One method of supplementation is by giving cows access to quality licks and blocks containing phosphorus supplementation. The licks and blocks available at Tara Rural Supplies and Condamine seeds and tyres can not only help in Phosphorus supplementation but also supplement, depending on the product, calcium, iron, protein, trace minerals and other essentials for the success of your cows’ health.
Contact our knowledgeable agronomist and staff at (07) 4665 3366 [for Tara] or (07) 4627 7222 [for Condamine] for more information
If you’d like to know more here is a great link to Meat & Livestock Australia’s series on the benefits of phosphorus.
1.M. K. Bowen A,E , F. Chudleigh B , R. M. Dixon C, M. T. Sullivan A , T. Schatz D and T. Oxley D. The economics of phosphorus supplementation of beef cattle grazing northern Australian rangelands. Animal Production Science, 2020, 60, 683–693
2. Meat & Livestock Australia. Phosphorus Hub. www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/livestock-production/livestock-nutrition/phosphorus-hub. 11/10/2024
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