In Australia, the wet season is welcomed by cattle operations, delivering strong pasture growth and offering the chance for livestock to regain condition after the dry months. However, stopping supplementation at the first sign of rain can prevent cattle from reaching their full potential and also limit the restoration of nutrient their body reserves.
The importance of supplementing phosphorus during the wet season
Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most significant challenges facing the cattle industry, with about 70% of northern Australia experiencing some degree of P deficiency. Demand for phosphorus increases during periods of growth and production for cattle. It is often the key limiting nutrient during the wet season when grass is abundant and other nutrients like protein are easier to find.
Why is phosphorus essential?
- Phosphorus plays a vital role in all bodily functions in cattle.
- A P deficiency reduces appetite, which limits pasture intake, protein absorption, and energy utilisation, besides causing bone fragility and/or anomalies.
By supplementing phosphorus during the wet season, producers can:
- Maximise energy and protein intake from green grass.
- Improve dry matter intake.
- Achieve significant productivity gains.
- Restore P levels in animal reserves (mainly bones).
Keep supplementing protein as the wet season starts: Sustaining herd health
Continuing to supplement low levels of protein as the wet season begins has multiple benefits.
In the early stages of the wet season, pastures consist mainly of fresh growth, which, while green, is not necessarily high in protein. Continuing to provide protein to your cattle as the wet commences supports optimal performance as pastures move into higher protein growth phases.
Secondly, cattle emerging from the dry season in a poor condition may be metabolically compromised. Cattle in this condition tend to have reduced feed intake and an impaired ability to process nutrients from new pasture which delays their ability to capitalise on the increased forage quality and regain condition and productivity during the wet.
By providing low levels of protein supplementation at the start of the wet season, producers can:
- Help cattle transition to nutrient-rich diets.
- Support recovery for metabolically compromised cows.
- Maximise productivity gains from the wet season pasture growth.
Water-based supplementation: a smart solution
One of the main challenges during the wet season is ensuring cattle consume the supplements they need while green grass is abundant. Water-based supplementation offers an effective solution:
- Targeted nutrient delivery: Water intake is directly related to live weight, ensuring consistent nutrient delivery to each animal in the herd.
- Overcoming access challenges: During the wet season, when paddocks can be inaccessible, water-based systems ensure continuous supplementation.
- Safety and precision: Water-based systems avoid the risks of lick blocks, which can dissolve too quickly in wet conditions, which some conditions can cause urea intoxication, or lead to uneven nutrient intake.
Invest in year-round supplementation
Cattle rely on balanced nutrition to thrive. Continued supplementation ensures your mob maintains optimal condition year-round, prevents significant weight losses and allows your cattle to move more efficiently from maintenance to production.
By adopting a water-based supplementation program through the uDOSE™️ system and DIT AgTech supplement range, you can easily transition your supplement program to suit the season; remotely lowering the supplement rate to deliver lower levels of protein and phosphorus needed to ensure you’re getting the most out of this wet season.
Start supplementing smarter this wet season and contact our Sales Team today to find out how we can help you maintain your herd’s health and productivity.