Whats the most practical approach to supplying phosphorus?
Maybe the most practical and economical approach to supplying phosphorus is to make sure phosphorus is fed at critical times such as 30 days pre-calving through at least half the breeding season. Base phosphorus supplementation on the animal’s requirements, level of phosphorus in the roughage, and how much roughage is being consumed. Adjust the phosphorus requirement by 2 gram per 100 lb of change in cow body weight and .5 gram per pound of milk change. The next step in formulating phosphorus requirements is understanding the phosphorus content of the forage. The last step will be calculating how much phosphorus the cows are consuming based on actual intake and phosphorus content in the forage. A strategic approach to supplying phosphorus is to make sure the cows requirements are met at least 30 days prior to calving and through the breeding season. If this approach is followed, the need for phosphorus supplementation during other times of the year can be at the discretion of the manag
