Easy P: evaluation of a phosphorus supplementation strategy that is easy to implement in northern Australia

Context Phosphorus (P) supplementation of cattle in P-deficient regions of northern Australia has been shown to be very profitable. However, it is difficult to deliver supplement to many locations during the wet season, and alternative supplementation strategies are needed for these sites. Aims This study compared the performance of groups of cattle that were supplemented with either an easy-to-implement supplementation strategy (‘Easy P’), or traditional supplementation (‘Traditional’) where supplement was delivered regularly throughout the year. Methods Performance attributes of two treatment groups of Brahman females (starting n = 89 for Easy P, and n = 91 for Traditional) were compared over 4 years from mid-2020 when they were 18 months old. The two groups grazed in similar P-deficient paddocks and their management was the same, except for the method of supplementation. The dry-season mineral supplements of both treatments were similar in composition except that the Easy-P supplement contained P, whereas the Traditional supplement did not. The same wet season supplement was given to both treatments, but the method of distribution was different: The Easy-P supplement was delivered to the paddock in 1-tonne bulk bags before the wet season commenced, whereas supplement was delivered regularly throughout the wet season for the Traditional treatment. Key results Easy-P heifers grew 10 kg heavier over the first dry season and Easy-P cows were heavier at two subsequent musters. Calf loss in the Traditional group was 11% units higher in 2024. Easy-P calf weaning weight was 20 kg heavier in 2023. Weaning rate was 17 percentage units higher from Easy P in 2023. Easy-P annual liveweight production was significantly higher in 2022 and 2024. The performance of the groups was similar for all other measures. Conclusions Because the performance of the Easy-P treatment was similar to, or slightly better than, the Traditional treatment in all the measures assessed, northern Australian cattle producers can have confidence that it is an effective supplementation method. It will be especially useful in areas where it is difficult to deliver supplement during the wet season, and offers labour, and vehicle fuel and maintenance savings. Implications Cattle producers can use the Easy-P strategy with confidence that their cattle will be supplemented effectively.