DIT’s dosing technology is used to proportionally dose supplement into the drinking water lines for livestock. This allows a higher level of Phosphorus supplementation year-round. Prelimary results from the 1st year of a water medication trial at QLD DAF Spyglass Research Station are indicating that animals fed supplements via water medication (uDose) had higher consumption of Phosphorus and Urea which resulted in significantly higher annual liveweight production (kg). Supplements provided targeted animals to be able to receive 8-10gm/AE Phosphorus and 60-70gm/AE/day of Urea. Results reported ‘Phosphorus consumption rates while cattle were on wet season supplement types were on average 8.2g/AE.d in the medicator group and 0.3g/AE/d in the lick blocks group (p <0.0011)²
Low soil phosphorus levels in Northern Australia is a major problem for grazing cattle. Animals ingest phosphates via plant material and is one of the most important minerals in animal nutrition after calcium. Phosphorus is crucial to for the growth of bones and teeth and is an important constituent of cell membranes, DNA, RNA, and ATP (energy). A Phosphorus deficiency causes retarded growth, low milk yield, impaired fertility and a supressed appetite in cattle. While suffering from phosphorus deficiency, the cow’s ability to maintain her body condition is affected due to the reduced nutrient intake meaning lower milk production and a higher chance to losing her calf and having difficulty reconceiving. Calf loss, low weaning weights, breeder mortality and difficultly conceiving, all have a serious negative impact on the productivity and profitability of the business.
Photo : A cow from the research herd at the Spyglass Research site being supplemented uPRO ORANGE via the uDOSE technology.
Photo: A cow from the research herd at the Spyglass Research site being supplemented uPRO ORANGE via the uDOSE technology.
For more information about the role of phosphorus in beef cattle production refer to the Future Beef website.
References
1. p-value less than 0.05 is statistically significant and a p-value higher than 0.05 is not statistically significant
2. Use of this data is by courtesy of the State of Queensland through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. This data is based on results taken from a trial at a single location. It may not be applicable to your own management system. Users of this data should seek further advice before implementing any recommendations or findings from this data
