When assessing phosphorus in feeds, looking only at the total amount of phosphorus is not enough. How far the animal can make use of this phosphorus and its balance with the other minerals in the ration should also be taken into account.
What are the functions of phosphorus in animal feeding?
Phosphorus plays a part in many biological processes in the body.
Its main functions include:
- contributing to the formation of bone and skeletal structure,
- playing a role in energy metabolism,
- contributing to cellular structure and activity,
- supporting normal growth and development.
That is why it is important to meet phosphorus needs correctly, especially in growing animals and high-yielding animals.
How is phosphorus assessed in feeds?
The amount of phosphorus in feed raw materials can be determined by analysis. But the total amount of phosphorus may not be the same as the amount the animal can use.
The source and chemical form of phosphorus can affect how well the animal can make use of it.
In feed formulation, therefore, it is more meaningful to assess the phosphorus available to the animal than to look only at the “total phosphorus” value.
Why does phosphorus matter especially in poultry feeds?
In poultry, phosphorus is an important mineral for bone development, growth and normal metabolic activity.
Especially in fast-growing broilers, the mineral balance needs to be set correctly. In laying hens, mineral needs differ because of egg production.
It is therefore not correct to speak of a single phosphorus level for all poultry feeds. The species, age and production purpose of the bird should be taken into account.
The relationship between phosphorus and calcium
In feeds, phosphorus is often assessed together with calcium.
Both minerals play an important role, especially in bone and skeletal structure. But what matters is not just that each is present in sufficient quantity, but that their amounts in the ration are in a suitable balance.
Calcium and phosphorus values are therefore assessed together in feed formulation.
Because a high level of a single mineral in particular can affect the use of the other and the overall mineral balance, the formulation needs to be considered as a whole.
Why does the source of phosphorus matter?
The phosphorus in feed can come from different feed raw materials.
Part of the phosphorus found in plant-based raw materials can be used by the animal only to a limited extent. In plant-based feed raw materials especially, the form in which phosphorus occurs matters for its availability.
So when calculating phosphorus in feed formulation, not only the total phosphorus values of the raw materials but also how far the animal can make use of it should be taken into account.
Why does phosphorus deficiency matter?
Failing to provide sufficient and balanced phosphorus can cause problems, especially for growth and skeletal development.
But it is not correct to assess a ration’s mineral balance on the basis of phosphorus alone. Calcium, phosphorus and other necessary minerals need to be balanced to suit the animal’s needs.
So when assessing a mineral deficiency or excess, the whole ration should be taken into account.
Phosphorus in organic feeds
In organic feeds, too, phosphorus is one of the important minerals in meeting the animal’s nutrient needs.
While the source and production conditions of the feed raw materials to be used in organic production are assessed separately, the formulation needs to be designed to meet the animal’s nutrient needs.
The raw materials used in organic feeds are therefore assessed both for compliance with organic production conditions and for their nutritional values.
Summary
Phosphorus is an important mineral in animal feeding for bone and skeletal development, energy metabolism and various cellular activities.
When assessing phosphorus in feed formulation, the availability of phosphorus and its balance with calcium should be taken into account as well as the total amount.
Correct mineral feeding is achieved by assessing the animal species, age, production period and the characteristics of the feed raw materials used together.