Phosphorus for Cattle and Buffaloes in Brazil: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of Its Deficiency and Relevance, and Recommended Strategies to Alleviate Issues Observed under Grazing Conditions

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) deficiency impairs productivity of ruminants and is the most expensive mineral used in supplements for cattle and buffalo under Brazilian grazing conditions. There is a need for the rational use of P, particularly under extensive grazing conditions, as this mineral resource is expensive and the world’s supplies are exhaustible. The diagnosis of P deficiency must start with careful and detailed history taking, followed by clinical examination of the herd and the use of ancillary tests. The latter are complementary to the diagnosis; they should be neither the first nor the most important steps when conducting a professional diagnosis. The indication of corrective or prophylactic measures necessarily involves the correct diagnosis of P deficiency (in herds), whether it be clinical or subclinical. This review discusses the main aspects related to P for cattle and buffaloes under grazing conditions in Brazil.

Farm-Scale Effectiveness of Feed Additives Supplied through a Mineral Mix for Beef Cattle Grazing Tropical Pastures

“…Any strategy that promotes the inefficient use of minerals can be detrimental to animals and the economic viability of the system. Phosphorus deficiency, for example, impairs animal productivity and this mineral is one of the most expensive nutrients used in ruminant nutrition [45]. Despite the existence of means to diagnose mineral deficiencies [46,47], having effective management practices is essential to prevent setbacks in production.…”

A Review of the Nutritional Aspects and Composition of the Meat, Liver and Fat of Buffaloes in the Amazon

“…In the Brazilian Amazon, buffalo farming is developed in pasture-based breeding systems, with four distinct pasture ecosystems: 1-native to flooded areas of the estuary, with an area of approximately 50 thousand km 2 , distributed on the island of Marajó, where most of the herd is concentrated. The topography is flat, with small unevenness that distinguishes two areas: the low grasslands-areas that remain flooded six months or more a year, and the high grasslands-higher areas that are not affected by floods (Figure 1A); 2-native to floodable areas located in the micro-regions of the Lower and Middle Amazon, with floodplain areas, which comprises the part periodically flooded by the flooding of the Amazon River [24,26]. Each year, when the river level rises, native pastures flood, farmers opt for two management strategies.…”

“…The buffalo herd was introduced to the Brazilian territory in 1890 on Marajó Island, Pará, located at the mouth of the Amazon River [ 23 , 24 ]. These animals have adapted very well to the environmental conditions of the Amazon due to the similarities with those of their countries of origin, characterized by a predominantly tropical climate [ 25 , 26 ].…”