Increasing adoption of Phosphorus supplementation in Northern Australia
| Project start date: | 23 November 2020 |
| Project end date: | 30 November 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia |
| Site location: | Northern Territory |
Summary
The purpose of this integrated R&D PDS project is to increase adoption of phosphorus (P) supplementation in northern Australia. The adoption emphasis is focused on properties that have not adopted P supplementation because they feel that it is too difficult to implement in the wet season. Achieving this would greatly increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of many cattle properties in northern Australia. The project will do this through a collaborative research phase in conjunction with several PDS’ located across northern Australia involving the NT DPIR, QDAF and WA DPIRD.
Objectives
By 30th of November 2025 the Participant will:
1. By 30th of November 2024 the Participant will have evaluated the effectiveness of a new method of Phosphorus supplementation (the “Easy P method”) designed to be easier to implement on properties in northern Australia where it is difficult to distribute supplement during the wet season. This will be done by conducting a trial on a NT DPIR research station (Kidman Springs) that compares the performance of cows supplemented with the Easy P method to that of that of cows that receive traditional wet season supplementation.
2. By 30th of November 2025 the Participant will have conducted a Producer Demonstration Site on a commercial property in the NT, demonstrating and evaluating the Easy P method.
3. By 30th of November 2026 the Participant will have conducted wider extension activities promoting the benefits of Phosphorus supplementation and the “Easy P method” as part of a Northern Australia Phosphorous Campaign (in collaboration with the “sister” projects in Qld and WA).
Progress
All aspects of the project are progressing well and are on schedule. Results from the fourth year of the research trial and second year of the PDS site have been reported. While statistical analyses of the data has not yet been performed, the results indicate that performance of cattle under the Easy P strategy is at least as good as that under traditional wet season P supplementation.
While the PDS demonstration has been complicated by disease issues reducing fertility and differences between the paddocks, it has still been a good vehicle to promote the Easy P research findings from the work at VRRS, increase awareness of the Easy P strategy, and to increase knowledge and awareness of other issues important to northern producers.
