Signs of ‘pica’ have been reported on many dairy farms recently
Every summer, PICA cases spike on Irish farms — and every summer, too many farmers put it down to a bold cow or a bad habit. TERRA NutriTECH is seeing it across herds right now. If you have cattle licking walls, chewing stones or eating soil, this is what you need to know.
The most frequently identified cause of PICA in cattle is phosphorus deficiency, though it is worth noting that PICA is not exclusive to struggling or poorly managed herds — it is commonly reported in cattle that are thriving and in good condition. During the summer breeding season, rapidly growing grass is rich in soluble nutrients but significantly lower in dietary fibre than more mature forage. This reduction in structural fibre disrupts normal rumen function and can trigger PICA behaviour independently of phosphorus status, or compound an existing deficiency that has gone undetected.
How to Spot PICA in Your Herd
PICA symptoms range from easy-to-miss early signs to serious physical consequences in more advanced or prolonged cases. The earlier it is identified, the easier it is to resolve.
Early and Most Common Signs
- Eating or licking stones from roadways, lanes and gateways
- Licking clay from banks, ditches and soil embankments
- Chewing or consuming water piping, cubicle mats, electric fence handles and other man-made materials
- Licking walls, metal gates, machinery and concrete surfaces
- Reduced appetite for normal forage despite adequate grass availability
In More Severe or Prolonged Cases
- Lameness and sore limbs — particularly in cows that have been ingesting stones or hard materials over a period of time
- Sore, swollen joints
- An audible cracking sound in the bones and joints of older cows — a sign that phosphorus deficiency has progressed to a serious level and skeletal integrity is being compromised
- Significant loss of body condition despite normal feeding
- Hardware disease — grunting, reluctance to move, sudden drop in milk production — where metal or foreign objects have been ingested
Don’t wait for the severe signs
By the time lameness and joint problems are visible, the underlying mineral deficiency has been present for some time. The earlier signs — stone licking, clay eating, chewing of materials — are your warning. Act on them.
Low Fibre in a cow diets will lead to:
- Loose dung
- Reduced ‘cudding’ and therefore saliva production which can result in ruminal acidosis due to the decreased buffering from saliva within the rumen)
- Reduce milk fats due to a change in the balance of fatty acids being produced by a more acidic rumen.
- feed intake drops and therefore milk production suffers
How to Prevent and Control PICA on Your Farm
Preventing PICA comes down to closing the mineral gap before it becomes a visible problem. The good news is that once the underlying deficiency is identified and corrected, PICA resolves quickly — and with the right programme in place, it is straightforward to prevent from returning.
Practical Steps to Reduce PICA Risk
- Provide access to long fibre — offer straw, hay or stemmy silage in the paddock or near the collecting yard, particularly during periods of rapid grass growth when dietary fibre is naturally low
- Supplement phosphorus — research has consistently shown that the phosphorus content of grazed pasture is significantly lower than what is required to maintain adequate levels in the dairy cow; dietary supplementation is essential on most Irish farms
- Provide additional sodium — salt blocks help address sodium deficiency, which is an independent driver of PICA behaviour and supports overall mineral balance in the herd
Test Before You Treat
Blood sampling is the recommended method for diagnosing phosphorus deficiency in the herd. Do not assume — a confirmed diagnosis allows you to target supplementation accurately and avoid over-supplying minerals, which carries its own risks. Speak to your vet or advisor about pre-breeding blood sampling as a standard part of your herd health programme.
The TERRA NutriTECH Solution for PICA
Phosphorus can be delivered directly through the drinking water — one of the most effective and reliable supplementation routes available. When delivered through the water supply, phosphorus is consumed consistently by every animal in the herd every day, and deficiencies can be corrected in a relatively short period.
TERRA NutriTECH supplies phosphorus in 20kg drums and 200kg barrels, suitable for both manual application and automatic dispensing through our liquid mineral dosing system. Our automated OPIS controller ensures every cow receives a precise, consistent dose — removing the inconsistency of lick buckets and manual supplementation methods.
For herds with more complex requirements, TERRA NutriTECH offers advanced customised mineral programmes tailored to the specific deficiency profile of your herd. Every formulation is produced at our fully licensed facility, compliant with Department of Agriculture regulations, operating under a current HACCP system and approved for both the Irish and EU market.
Every cow gets exactly what she needs. Every day. Without fail.
📞 (087) 7086714 🌐 terranutritech.com
“One less job to do and I have healthier
M.Brennan, Dairy Farmer. Co. Tipperary – IFAC Report
cows that hold condition after calving.”
Talk with our Team
Please call Ronan on 087 7086714 to find out about using an automated mineral dosing system. There are many health benefits for your cattle. Continue planning for the year ahead.
PHOSPHORUS
TERRA NutriTECH Phosphorus — Liquid Mineral Supplement for Cattle
Benefits
- Reduces and resolves PICA behaviour in affected herds
- Prevents cattle from eating soil, licking clay and chewing stones — protecting mouth, teeth and digestive health
- Reduces stock-ing on hedges and shrubs, lowering the risk of frothy bloat from ingestion of toxic or high-legume plant material
- Corrects phosphorus deficiency quickly when delivered consistently through the water supply
- Supports normal rumen function, energy metabolism and reproductive performance — all of which are compromised when phosphorus levels are low
Ingredients
- High-concentration phosphorus formulation, precision-dosed for daily supplementation through the TERRA NutriTECH liquid mineral system
Sizes
- Available in 20kg drums and 200kg barrels — suitable for all herd sizes
Dosing Rate
- 15ml per cow per day, delivered automatically through the TERRA NutriTECH water dosing system