Nutrients for Cattle
The nutrition of grazing animals is a complex interaction between the soil, plant and animal. It is possible for plants to be growing well, yet still have suboptimal levels of nutrients for grazing livestock. Below is a brief descripition of the key nutrients required by Beef Cattle.
Crude Protein | Urea | Phosphorus | Salt |
Protein |
Protein is needed for tissue maintenance, growth and milk production. Through the action of microbes in rumen, cattle can use inorganic sources of nitrogen (such as urea) to manufacture protein.
Breeders and growing animals (weaners and replacement heifers) have higher demands for protein. As plants mature, protein levels fall. The feed becomes less digestible and intake declines. Supplementation with a source of nitrogen can maintain feed intake and is useful when pasture is mature and relatively indigestible.
Urea |
Urea is a relatively cheap source of protein. Rumen microbes use the ammonia from urea as a protein source. The microbes in turn become protein for the animal (microbial protein). On a low quality, fibrous diets, up to 70-80% of protein available to the animals is in the form of microbial protein. More....
About UreaEffective urea supplementation generally results in a slower rate of weight loss; occasionally in weight gain. For best results, supplementaiton should commence before animals lose too much weight. Determine target intakes of urea (on a per head basis) and aim to achieve these intakes every day. Effective urea supplementation can increase feed intake by up to 20%. Consider this when calculating stocking rates. All loose mixed urea supplements should be fed in open ended troughs or troughs with good drainage. They should ideally be covered. Ensure access to a reliable water source, but place the product away from watering points to encourage stock to graze out accross the paddock. WARNING: Products containing urea can be toxic to livestock causing injury, death and consequent loss and damage to you and/or your business. Livestock management and environmental conditions (eg. climate, farm management, pastures, soil types, water etc.) vary considerably between locations. These variations will affect individual supplementary requirements. Do not feed to horses or dogs. |
Phosphorus |
Much of northern Australia is phosphorus deficient. Deficiencies in the animal are most often observed via reduced herd fertility and growth rates. One of the impacts of phosphorus deficiency is reduced feed intake – up to 30-40%. Long term phosphorus deficiency in stock leads to weak bones and growth deformities (peg-leg). Phosphorus deficient cattle also tend to chew bones and if not vaccinated are at risk of botulism.
Salt |
Salt is usually attractive to cattle and forms the basis of many Rumevite products. Although seemingly contradictory, salt may also limit intake. Some cattle will readily eat salt, while others will not. In some districts, cattle will ignore supplements containing salt; cattle on loam soils derived from basalt generally crave salt.
Know your cattle. If they do not seek salt, select products where palatability is enhanced with other additives such as molasses.