
Producer case study: Rob and Ainsley McArthur, Northern Queensland
Strategic phosphorus (P) supplementation has allowed Queensland beef producers Rob and Ainsley McArthur to boost the productivity and profitability of their entire business.
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Cattle need phosphorus (P) for almost every vital function of the body. It’s used for:
Deficiencies often arise in tropical production systems because most northern soils have lower available soil P compared with southern Australia. This means there’s often insufficient P in the pasture to meet animal requirements.
The cattle that have the highest P requirements are growing stock, late-pregnant heifers and cows, and lactating cows.
Strategic phosphorus (P) supplementation has allowed Queensland beef producers Rob and Ainsley McArthur to boost the productivity and profitability of their entire business.
For many regions in northern Australia, P deficiency is a serious nutritional issue for beef herds and can cause major losses in productivity and profitability.
Research demonstrates that adequate phosphorus intake can:
It’s not uncommon for beef producers to be unaware that a P problem exists in their herd. If stock are gaining weight and body condition is maintained once the wet season has started, there can be a misconception that stock are getting the nutrients they need from only pasture – which isn’t always the case.
Here are some ways to identify a P deficiency:
All classes of cattle, whether they be steers, heifers or breeders, will benefit from phosphorus supplementation.
The response of the cattle depends on the severity of deficiency, class of animal and diet quality.
The greatest benefits from supplementation on deficient pastures are achieved over the wet season when grass is green, and stock are gaining weight.