Blog Layout

The Importance of Supplements for Cattle in the Wet Season

By Susannah McInnerney  /  Published on Aug 28, 2022

With the wet season fast approaching it’s time to think about Phosphorous (P) supplements for your cattle. The majority of Northern Australia’s soils are considered acutely deficient as they have less then 4ppm of Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a vital mineral for many body functions including utilisation of energy and protein, bone formation, high feed intake and improved weight gain and fertility.

Signs of P deficiency include decreased feed intake, poor growth and fertility rates, low weaning rates, peg leg, rough coats, and bone chewing. When bone chewing occurs there is a risk of Botulism which can prove fatal. P deficiency can be identified through testing of soil, plants, dung and blood as well as observations of the cattle.


The recommended intake varies between class of cattle and desired weight gain or lactation. Lactating cows require more P then steers and heifers gaining weight.


During the wet season when the energy and protein levels in the feed are high the need for Phosphorus increases as it becomes the limiting nutrient. When fed Phosphorus during the wet season cattle can show a great response with improved liveweight gain, improved fertility, and increased milk production.


Phosphorus supplementation is available in different forms including- loose lick, blocks, and straight Phosphorus sources. The main sources of Phosphorus used in the feed industry are Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP), Mono-calcium Phosphate (MCP) and Mono-dicalcium Phosphate (MDCP). When choosing a Phosphorus supplement, it is important to look at the percent of Phosphorus provided and the recommended intake to ensure you are getting value for your money.


To discuss your available tests, wet season feeding options, and for a quote please call Susannah on (08) 8971 1293 / 0474 000 319 or email susannah@bilbagroup.com.au. 
Northern-Stock-Water_Brahman_Feed_Supplements_Phosphorus_Cattle_Nutrition
Northern-Stock-Water_Brahman_Heifer_Supplements_Phosphorus

Share this article:

Comparing phosphorus supplements for livestock – find the best product for your farm.

by Susannah McInnerney • 06 Dec, 2022
As requirements for Phosphorus increases during the wet season, it is important to provide cattle with supplements. In this article we'll discuss the different types of phosphorous supplements available, the pros and cons of each option and how to calculate their cost per head.
A dung beetle rolling a ball of dung.

The Role of Dung Beetles in Australian Agriculture

by Susannah McInnerney • 10 Oct, 2022
Dung beetles are a group of hardworking insects that use dung for nesting and feeding. Australia has over 500 species of native beetles, the majority of which process the coarse pellet like dung of marsupials. As only a small number of native species evolved to break down cattle dung introduced species were brought into Australia in the 1950’s.

Breeding EDGE workshop in Cloncurry QLD

by Adrian Brown • 19 Sept, 2022
Breeding EDGE is a three-day workshop designed to assist producers improve and refine their breeder herd management and genetic improvement plans using genetic and reproductive knowledge and technologies, to achieve desired production targets. Presenters: Felicity Hamlyn-Hill (Beef Enterprise Advisory Services), Tim Emery (Qld Department Agriculture & Fisheries) and ACV Vet Dr Trevor Smith (North Australia Veterinary Group).
Territory Q features Northern Stock Water's Emma Brown in latest TQ PIONEER article

Territory Q Magazine features Northern Stock Water owner, Emma Brown

by Adrian Brown • 29 Aug, 2022
Territory Q is the premium business and industry magazine of the Northern Territory. They are an independent, private enterprise offering an integrated and inclusive platform to the entire business community. They work diligently to engage in sharing information, inspiration, motivation, education and conversation to each other – and the world at large.
Northern Stock Water-The 2022 Developing Australia's North Conference

Join the Change-Makers Advancing Australia’s North at the next Developing Northern Australia Conference

by Adrian Brown • 28 Aug, 2022
The Developing Northern Australia Conference continues to grow every year, along with the national momentum for achieving better economic, social, and environmental outcomes for the north and its people.
Share by: