Phosphorus nutrition of grazing cattle: a review

Phosphorus (P) is a widely studied element which is integral to many vital body functions. In ruminant nutrition, however, the degree of naturally occurring P deficiency in grazing cattle, the lack of uniformity in response to P supplementation, and even suggested P requirements have generated a gre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animal Feed Science and Technology 2001-02, Vol.89 (3), p.133-153
Main Author: Karn, James F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal productions
Beef cows
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Growing cattle
Requirements
Status indicators
Supplementation
Terrestrial animal productions
Vertebrates
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Summary:Phosphorus (P) is a widely studied element which is integral to many vital body functions. In ruminant nutrition, however, the degree of naturally occurring P deficiency in grazing cattle, the lack of uniformity in response to P supplementation, and even suggested P requirements have generated a great deal of confusion in the United States and around the world. Much of the confusion arises because animals have the ability to draw on skeletal P reserves when dietary P levels are inadequate. The mechanisms that control skeletal P withdrawal, the conditions that trigger withdrawal, and the rate and extent of withdrawal without affecting animal performance seem to be poorly understood. Another area of confusion involves the detrimental effect of P deficiency on feed intake which makes it unclear in many situations whether animal responses to P supplementation are due to P per se or simply to increased feed intake. This review attempts to discuss these and other important problems concerning the P nutrition of grazing cattle.
ISSN:0377-8401
1873-2216
DOI:10.1016/S0377-8401(00)00231-5