Phosphate is traditionally the only summer supplement in South Africa, but it often happens that phosphate alone during late summer and autumn is not always sufficient for optimal production and reproduction of farm animals. Due to the unusually heavy rain that South Africa has been experiencing lately, farmers not only need a phosphate and protein supplement, but also one that is protected against rain.

Introduction

During years of poorer grass production, as well as mid to late summer and autumn, when proteins in the grass are insufficient or start to decrease, supplementing a small amount of protein (nitrogen) in the form of urea is beneficial to ensure optimal animal production. Unpublished trials have shown that a daily supplementation of 50 g to 80 g of protein to cattle promotes animal production and limits unnecessary weight losses.

To address the problem of a protein deficiency, Yara Animal Nutrition has developed a product called PhosPro 17. PhosPro 17 contains 6% phosphate and 17% protein in the form of urea, to ensure maximum digestion and intake of pasture.

Phospro 17 is not only a phosphate and protein supplement but is also unique in that it is weather-resistant and therefore perfect for the surprisingly rainy conditions that farmers are facing this year. Phospro 17 is enriched with a molasses by-product, and when it rains, it forms a crust on top of the product. Animals quickly learn to break this crust after the rain and continue to eat the dry lick underneath. Fewer lick therefore need to be thrown away as a result of rain damage.

Phospro 17 contains all of the most important trace minerals, as well as magnesium, to ensure a regular daily intake of trace minerals and magnesium for optimal health, production and reproduction.

Table 1: Composition of PhosPro 17

Feeding recommendation

PhosPro 17 is a convenient, ready-mixed product and can be fed to cattle, sheep and goats during the summer or autumn without any further mixing.

Table 2 Daily recommended intake

Give your animals what they need, come rain or shine. Give them PhosPro 17!

Contact Yara Animal Nutrition at alina.taute@yara.com for technical advice.