FAQ - Red Range Stock Supplements

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What is the difference between crude protein and equivalent crude protein?

Crude Protein is the protein derived from protein meals and grains. Crude protein may alternatively be listed as ‘protein’ and ‘total protein’. Equivalent Crude Protein is protein derived from gut bacteria.

Why is nutrition important?

Health is imperative and plays a significant role in the value of livestock. Supplementary feeding presents an extensive number of benefits to livestock. It will sustain and support livestock’s requirement for protein, energy, phosphorus and nutrients. Mortality rate, fertility rate, age, weight and genetic potential are all productivity measures that are greatly influenced by nutrition and are correlated.

There are several signs that indicate nutritional deficiencies in livestock including pasture quality, weight loss, change in appearance of dung and manure, poor appetite and change in coat.

What are nutrients?

Nutrients are elements that provide sustenance and nourishment. There are five distinct and broad categories of nutrients that are required by stock.

Water
The most important nutrient. Water should be fresh, clean and accessible all year round. Water is essential for digestion, cooling the body and holding food nutrients and waste products.
Energy
Energy derived from carbohydrates and fats boost movement and produce heat to keep the body at an ideal temperature.
Protein
Proteins consist of amino acids which enhances the development of body tissues such as muscle, organs, bones, blood and skin.
Vitamins
Vitamins can be categorised as water soluble or fat soluble. They are only required in small amounts and help maintain eye, nasal, lung, blood and bone health.
Minerals
Minerals are only required in small amounts to assist in strengthening and building of bones and teeth. Three key minerals include sodium, calcium and phosphorus.

Why is phosphorus so important in Northern Australia?

Phosphorus is essential for the tissues and fluids in cattle as it has an influence on many body functions including energy transfer reactions; hence why, it affects all behaviours in the body such as growth and reproduction.

Phosphorus deficiency is an issue in Northern Australia due to the low levels of phosphorus in various soils. It is essential to test for phosphorus since every property is different. During the wet season, livestock require additional sources of phosphorus such as our Wet Season lick to achieve reproduction performance and development.

Signs of phosphorus deficiency:

Reduced growth rate
Reduced fertility
Reduced milk
Depraved appetite: Chewing foreign material such as bones, dirt or stones
Poor bone formation
Weight loss
Peg Leg

https://www.beefcentral.com/markets/nt-study-exposes-major-benefits-from-phosphorus-supplementation/

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