Publication Date

1993

Description

Phosphorus was supplied to oversown pastures and steers grazing them, as supplement or as 3 rates of fertiliser over 2 years. Dry­season live-weight change was related to fertiliser rate and legume availability, with live-weight losses on unfertilised pastures, gains on moderately fertilised pasture and maintenance on low-fertilised pasture. Supplement had no effect. Wet-season live-weight gain was increased through fertiliser effects on legume availability and consumption (total response was 42 kg/steer) and through P supplement effects on phosphorus intake (total response was 34 kg/ steer). These and related studies have allowed rational and economical P management of oversown pasture systems in northern Australia.

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Cattle Growth and Diet Responses to Legume and Phosphorus Supply

Phosphorus was supplied to oversown pastures and steers grazing them, as supplement or as 3 rates of fertiliser over 2 years. Dry­season live-weight change was related to fertiliser rate and legume availability, with live-weight losses on unfertilised pastures, gains on moderately fertilised pasture and maintenance on low-fertilised pasture. Supplement had no effect. Wet-season live-weight gain was increased through fertiliser effects on legume availability and consumption (total response was 42 kg/steer) and through P supplement effects on phosphorus intake (total response was 34 kg/ steer). These and related studies have allowed rational and economical P management of oversown pasture systems in northern Australia.