Studies on the production of beef from zebu cattle in East Africa III. The value of feeding a phosphatic supplement

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Abstract
1. Three experiments are described in which dicalcium phosphate was fed as a phosphatic supplement to beef-type zebu cows and weaner calves grazing at Muguga in the Kenya Highlands.2. The treatment caused an increase in the level of inorganic phosphate in the bloods only during times of drought, when it also caused an improvement in the condition of the cows. A slight beneficial effect on fertility was noted throughout the experiment.3. Evidence was found that other nutritional factors were causing considerable variation and it is suggested that more attention should be given to improving the general level of nutrition of cattle during dry seasons.