If you are a farmer who has cattle, you might be looking into ways to supplement phosphorus in the diet. Cattle have been known to have deficiencies in both calcium and phosphorus. However, the good news is that there are many effective supplements on the market that you can use.
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Calcium
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to supplement your cattle’s dietary requirements, you might want to consider using a calcium phosphorus supplement. This is an option you can use in conjunction with your existing mineral program, as well as free choice mineral intake guidelines.
Depending on the type of feed you are using, there may be significant differences in the amount of minerals you can supplement. For example, a forage-based diet is likely to be lower in phosphorus than a grain-based diet. Regardless of your specific needs, you can find a calcium phosphorus supplement that will meet your goals.
To get the most out of a supplement, it’s important to make sure it contains the right combination of minerals. The proper ratio of calcium and phosphorus in your cattle’s diet is critical to their overall health. A low ration concentration of either mineral will lead to reduced gain, milk production, and even skeletal abnormalities.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a nutrient needed by all cattle. It plays a key role in growth, fertility, reproduction, and energy metabolism. Without enough phosphorus, cattle will show decreased appetite, lower milk production, and reduced protein intake.
The United States Department of Agriculture conducted research showing that phosphorus supplementation improves cows’ weaning weights and the percentage of consecutive calving cows. In addition, cows fed phosphorus supplements produced heavier weaners and reconception rates.
Many commercially formulated feed supplements are fortified with phosphorus. However, it is important to check the actual mineral content of your feeds. Mineral concentrations can vary depending on the forage.
The amount of phosphorus required by cattle varies based on the class of animal, type of land, and quality of forage. For example, a beef cow that weighs 1200 pounds will need 17 to 18 grams of phosphorus per day.
Dosing into the water line
Phosphorus is one of those minerals that is difficult to quantify in the context of an animal’s daily diet. While feedlot cattle do not have to contend with phosphorus deficiencies, it is nonetheless an important component of the cow’s overall nutrient profile. It is also important for milk production, reproduction, and overall health.
One of the best ways to make sure your cattle are getting their phosphorus fill is to give them a free-choice mineral mixture. Although the idea of feeding your livestock a mixture of salt and mineral may seem counterintuitive, it will actually improve their mineral intake. You might also consider adding a small dose of difluorinated rock phosphate to the mix.
A well-stocked mineral tank will also help keep your critters stocked and pampered. If you have the time, a few pounds of steamed bone meal are also a good source of supplemental phosphorus.
Deficiencies in cattle
The deficiency of phosphorus in cattle is a problem in northern Australia. It can affect production, fertility and milk yield. In addition, it can lead to underfeeding of livestock.
One of the most common symptoms of phosphorus deficiency in cattle is osteomalacia. This is characterized by an arched back and shifting lameness. Chewing of bones and other objects is also often seen.
Serum Pi (inorganic phosphorus) concentrations are a reliable marker for the status of P deficiency. However, they can be misleading because of a number of factors.
Blood phosphorus concentration is more informative. In addition, it reflects the phosphorus within erythrocytes. A concentration of 0.2 mmol/L is considered normal. Therefore, a concentration of 1 mmol/L indicates a severe P deficiency.
In cattle, the blood phosphorus concentration can be determined through blood analysis. Inorganic phosphorus in the blood is lower than serum phosphorus.
Excessive potassium
If you want to provide a high-quality nutrient supplement for your cattle, phosphorus and potassium are two important minerals to consider. Phosphorus is critical for reproduction, growth, and milk production. In addition, potassium helps maintain the acid-base balance of the body.
The level of phosphorus and potassium in your forage depends on the age of the plant. Forages harvested early in the spring will have a higher level of potassium than those grown later in the year. However, most forages will fall within the optimum range for calcium and phosphorus.
Forage grown in Manitoba normally contains adequate levels of potassium. Potassium is important for the proper functioning of several enzymatic reactions.
Most forages contain 1% to 4% potassium. Alfalfa hay, for example, contains 1.5 to 3% K. Soybean meal, sunflower meal, and peanut meal all contain more than 1% K.
