Energy, protein limit production in south-west Queensland

Summary

The V-gate project started as an investigation of what were considered to be the major limiting factors on animal production in the region. Energy and protein have been identified as the major factors limiting livestock production on box-mulga country in south-west Queensland. "This is especially the case in the drier months of June, July and August," said group spokesman Neville Morris, Mitchell, Queensland. "Phosphorus, sodium, copper and perhaps zinc are the minerals most likely to the deficient."

Mr Morris said the V-Gate Bestprac group gained a clearer understanding of the complex interrelationships governing stock nutrition on different soil types and pastures after completing the Producer Research Support project. "Prior to this research, supplementation had been limited to occasional phosphorus, often given at the wrong time and with mixed results," Mr Morris says. A SWOT analysis and problem and opportunity identification was conducted which determined the project's objectives. These included:

determining​ the critical limiting nutrients in different land types at different times of the year;
gaining a better understanding of soil, plant and animal nutrition interaction; and
developing best options and protocols for trials aimed at improving nutritional management of livestock in the region.