By Ndumiso Tshuma
Livestock specialists are urging farmers in tropical regions to prioritise phosphorus supplementation during the wet season, highlighting its crucial role in improving animal health, fertility, and weight gain.
Nqobani Manyabi, an animal specialist at EL Ganado Consultancy, says phosphorus is a key nutrient in pasture growth, directly influencing the quality of grazing and livestock productivity.
โPhosphorus deficiency reduces fertility in young animals such as rams, bucks, and bulls. This leads to lower productivity and overall poor herd health,โ he said.
Studies suggest that supplementing phosphorus during the summer can significantly enhance livestock performance.
โWeight gain increases by about 30% in oxen and 20% in cows, while calving rates improve by 30%,โ Manyabi explained.
Phosphorus can be easily provided through mineral licks and blocks, making it accessible for farmers to incorporate into daily feeding routines.
Manyabi stressed the importance of recognising variations in pasture quality, as phosphorus levels differ between grass types.
โFarmers need to consider whether they are grazing on sweet veld or sour veld, as this impacts the amount of phosphorus available to their livestock,โ he said.
He encouraged farmers to assess their feeding practices and integrate phosphorus supplementation as a strategic move to enhance productivity.
โWith the right approach, livestock producers can significantly improve feed intake, weight gain, and fertilityโkey factors for ensuring sustainable and profitable farming operations,โ Manyabi said.
