Chm. De Brouwer et al., Phosphorus supplementation to natural pasture grazing for beef cows in theWestern Highveld region of South Africa, S AFR J AN, 30(1), 2000, pp. 43-52
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE-SUID-AFRIKAANSE TYDSKRIF VIR VEEKUNDE
Simmentaler cows grazing Cymbopogon-Themeda veld in the western Highveld re
gion of South Africa (1985/86-1989/90) received three levels of phosphorus
(P) supplementation. Dicalcium phosphate content of the supplement was mani
pulated to give intakes of 8 (CS), 4 (HS) or 0 (ZS) g P/cow/day during summ
er. AU cows received supplemental P (10 g/cow/day) during winter (1986-1989
). In 1990, supplemental P (10 (CW), 5 (HW) or 0 (ZW) g P/cow/day) was give
n in a winter maintenance supplement (protein, energy and minerals). Rainfa
ll was above average during the trial period. Reproductive performance was
not influenced by P supplementation. Mean livemass of the CS group was grea
test (p < 0.01), and that of HS was greater (p < 0.01) than ZS at the end o
f summer. Both CS and HS had better (p < 0.01) condition scores than ZS. Bo
ne P content was lowest and indicative of deficiency (p < 0.01) in ZS cows
(112.6 vs 141.9 and 130.8 mg P/cm(3) hone for CS and HS respectively). Calf
performance was not affected (p > 0.05) by P supplementation. Cow mass was
affected by winter P supplementation (p < 0.05). Both CW and I-TW displaye
d improved (p < 0.01) condition scores and higher (p < 0.01) bone P content
than ZW. Fatalities (4) occurred in ZW due to P deficiency (74.5 mg P/cm(3
) bone), and deficiency symptoms were manifested in the entire group. Both
summer and winter veld is deficient in P, which makes continuous supplement
ation a recommended practice in this area.