In extensive grazing systems, getting supplementation right can be the difference between average results and real productivity gains. At Riverdale Station in Richmond, QLD, a recent trial put DIT AgTech’s uDOSE™ water supplementation technology to the test, comparing it directly with traditional lick blocks over a 271-day period.
The trial began during the dry season, when conditions were particularly challenging, yet early results were already promising. The trial extended through to the end of the wet season to gain a complete picture of the system’s performance.
The results were clear: more efficient nutrient use, improved weight gain, and higher profitability. All achieved without delivery rate changes – just delivering nutrients with greater accuracy via drinking water.
Trial in the paddock: Precision supplementation vs. traditional methods
Across two paddocks, 750 heifers were monitored under standard commercial conditions. One group of 450 was supplemented using lick blocks. The other 300 received nutrients through DIT AgTech’s uDOSE™ System, an automated water-based method that precisely delivers essential supplements directly into the cattle’s drinking water.
The two groups were tracked for live weight, average daily gain, supplement consumption (converted into urea and phosphorus equivalents), available forage, and financial outcomes.
Better weight gain, consistently
Cattle supplemented with uDOSE™ gained weight at a higher rate: 0.466 kg/day on average, compared to 0.413 kg/day for those on lick blocks. That difference of 53 grams per day added up by sale time with 58.3% of the water-supplemented heifers exceeded 300kg (versus just 36.7% in the lick block group).
A compelling result for any producer aiming to improve productivity in extensive systems.
More value, less waste
It wasn’t just weight gain that improved. The uDOSE™ group also delivered higher returns and more efficient supplementation:
- An increase of over $30 per head in revenue (+4.43%)
- A 10% lower cost per kilo gained
- Phosphorus was also delivered more efficiently: 27.7% cheaper per gram.
This reflects one of the key advantages of precision delivery. Rather than relying on uneven intake from lick blocks, the uDOSE™ System ensures each animal gets the right amount, every day, via their normal water consumption. No competition. No wastage. No guesswork.
Safer and smarter intake
Interestingly, cattle on lick blocks consumed 45% more urea, yet showed no additional benefit in weight gain. In contrast, phosphorus intake was higher and more efficient with uDOSE™, which is particularly relevant in northern Australia where phosphorus deficiency can severely limit growth, especially during the wet season.
By targeting this deficiency more effectively, uDOSE™ supports more sustainable growth outcomes, without unnecessary over-supplementation.
Supporting sustainable grazing
Another important observation from the trial was grazing behaviour. Animals using the uDOSE™ system were seen to spread out more evenly across the paddock, rather than concentrating around supplement points. This reduced overgrazing and helped protect pasture condition, supporting more even utilisation of forage and longer-term land sustainability.
What the producer said
Ben Tate from AJM Pastoral, who hosted the trial at Riverdale Station, was pleased with the results.
“We were impressed by the results with uDOSE™.
The precision of water supplementation made a real difference in our herd’s performance. When we brought both mobs into the yards, the uDOSE™ mob stood out, they looked better, and the weights confirmed it. Even after removing the highest and lowest weights, we still saw an average improvement of over 9%, which is exactly the kind of result we’re aiming for with the numbers we run.”
In conclusion
DIT AgTech’s technology outperformed traditional lick blocks – delivering better animal performance, more efficient supplementation, and stronger economic outcomes.
The trial results confirm what many producers are already seeing in the paddock: when you deliver the right nutrients, in the right way, cattle respond.
If you’re looking to improve weight gain, reduce supplement costs, or simply get more from your herd, our Sales Team can help you explore how our uDOSE™ system could be integrated into your operation.
You can download the case study to explore the key results in more detail.
For access to the full trial report, or to speak directly with a team member, get in touch with us today.
