28/11/2025
As we get into the rainy season and the grass is becoming green, its time to change from Nhapi Tapi to HIPHOS 6 LICK which is a summer lick.
Phosphorus is the first limiting nutrient in green grazing (phosphorous will be lacking) and phosphorus deficiency is most common in grazing animals because of the low phosphorus levels in most soils. The major impact of phosphorus deficiency is reduced appetite, which results in lower pasture intake. The reduction in nutrient intake affects the animal’s ability to maintain body condition, resulting in lower weaning weights and increased calf mortality. Milk production will also be reduced. All of these factors affect production and profitability. Correcting this deficiency in the diet by supplementing your cattle.
Benefits of Phosphorus supplementation are:
a) Large Impact on Weight (birth weight) – Animals have a higher phosphorus requirement during late pregnancy and lactation. Remember most cows have calved down and some are almost due.
b) Reproduction – Higher conception rates and heavier weaners.
c) Calf Performance - Trace minerals in the supplements improves the growth and fertility of calves.
d) Prior to pen fattening - Phosphorous supplementation will help animals to start gaining condition before being introduced to pen feeding. (Thus preparing your weaners for pen fattening next year).
