This is affecting milk yield in dairy herds and daily live weight gain in beef herds. There are three main causes of pica: lack of fibre in the diet, salt deficiency or phosphorus deficiency. Poor fertility and a drop in milk yield are a direct consequence of this. We have seen phosphorus deficiency on farms lately with a soil index of 3 for phosphorus based on last year's soil samples. This too causes a reduction in milk yield and also can lead to poor fertility.

Source: Irish Independent June 15, 2020 07:41 UTC