There is a common misconception that increasing phosphorus intake will improve reproduction in cattle. However, research from Texas, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Utah didn’t show any benefits in reproduction once phosphorus requirements were met. Feeding additional phosphorus above requirements only increases cost.
Loose mineral supplements with higher levels of phosphorus are more expensive and less palatable than similar products with lower phosphorus levels. In most situations feeding a high-calcium, low-phosphorus mineral is desired. Even when cattle are grazing dormant native range a high-phosphorus mineral is not needed if cattle are receiving cottonseed meal, DDG, or similar supplements. ~Jason Banta
