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
The benefits of phosphorus (P) supplementation for breeding herds in northern Australia are well researched and widely known, with P being essential for livestock growth, fertility and milk production. However, across northern Australia only a portion of cattle grazing on P deficient pastures are being managed with supplementation. This is due in part to perceived difficulties in implementing wet season supplementation on extensive properties.
The goal of this project is to validate and demonstrate an "Easy P" supplementation program to overcome difficulties of supplying and distributing supplements to stock during the wet season, and subsequently increase the adoption of P supplementation across the northern beef industry. Early results from the project indicate that providing bulk P to stock at the beginning of the wet season in addition to usual supplements in the dry, a key strategy of the Easy P method, is as effective as more traditional and labour-intensive methods.
The project will involve producer demonstration sites in northern WA, Queensland and the NT to test the Easy P supplementation method within commercial systems. These sites have been identified and testing is now underway to determine the P status of the properties and herds.
