Technical Abstract: The NRC (2001) P requirements for dairy heifers (0.20 to 0.35%) and endogenous levels (0.20 to 0.35%) of P in feeds are similar, suggesting supplemental P in heifer diets may be minimally required. Because long-term studies are unavailable, 183 Holstein heifers and 182 crossbred heifers were fed diets with (0.39%) and without (0.29%) supplemental P from 4 to 22 mo of age in a replicated pen design. Two sub-populations of heifers were selected mid-trial for intensive measurement of bone development and metabolism. Thirty-two heifers at 628 d (± 10.0 d) of age, and balanced by breed and diet were evaluated for bone development. External frame measurements included hip height, length, heart girth, hip width, cannon bone circumference, as well as pelvic length, height, and width. Tails of heifers were surgically amputated with the 13 and 14th coccygeal vertebrae retained. After tissue removal, the 13th coccygeal vertebrae were scanned using peripheral quantitative computed tomography with cortical, trabecular and total bone densities determined. A second sub-population (n=64) of heifers (375 d ± 33 d), balanced for breed and diet, were evaluated for serum pyridinoline and osteocalcin to assess bone metabolism. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with breed, treatment and their interaction in the model. External skeletal measurements revealed significant differences in hip height, hip width, heart girth, cannon bone circumference and pelvic length between Holstein and crossbred heifers. Supplementing P had no effect on external frame measurements, bone density, or bone metabolism markers. Bone P and Mg contents were lower (P < 0.08) and bone K content greater in heifers fed no supplemental P. Data suggest P supplementation within dairy-heifer diets modestly increased bone P content, but increased bone P was not reflected in frame growth, bone density, or bone metabolism.