The reproductive performance of phosphorus-deficient mature cows improved rapidly when given supplementary phosphorus in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory
T. J. Schatz
A * , M. N. Hearnden A and C. Maxwell B
A
B
Abstract
There is little published information on how long it takes for the performance of phosphorus (P)-deficient mature cows to improve once they start receiving P supplements, or whether their long-term performance is impaired by P deficiency early in life.
The performance of mature P-deficient and P-adequate Brahman cows was compared over 3 years to investigate the time it takes for the performance of P-deficient mature cows to improve once they are supplemented with P, and whether their long-term performance is compromised by P deficiency early in life.
Cows that had been a part of a P-supplementation trial at Victoria River Research Station from weaning until they were 5.5 years old were used for this study. One treatment group had received continuous P supplement (P+) since weaning and the other treatment had never received any P supplement (P−). At the conclusion of the original trial, 42 cows were randomly selected from each treatment and then grazed together in the same paddock for 3 years, during which time they were given P supplement continuously. Performance attributes were measured and compared.
This study found that P supplementation rapidly improved the liveweight, body condition, reproductive performance and survival rate of the P-deficient (P−) mature cows. Within a year of receiving P supplement, their performance improved to be similar to that of P+ cows. However, P deficiency early in life did have some residual stunting effects, resulting in lower mean hip height and liveweights of P− cows.
The performance of P-deficient mature cows improved rapidly once they were given P supplements and matched that of cows that had always been supplemented. However, P deficiency early in life caused stunting, resulting in mature cows being shorter and lighter.
Cattle producers in P-deficient country should see a rapid improvement in performance and return on investment once they start supplementing P-deficient cows. However, it is better to supplement cattle throughout their lives in P-deficient areas to avoid stunting.
Keywords: Brahman, cattle, fertility, growth, mortality, northern Australia, phosphorus, reproduction, supplementation.
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