Mineral blocks are a convenient, cost-effective and palatable way to provide essential micro-nutrients to your herd. These molasses-based blocks deliver the full spectrum of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iodine, selenium and zinc.
They can be especially beneficial when other delivery options aren’t available, such as during summer months or drought conditions when pasture quality is compromised.
Contents
The Color of the Block
When entering a feed store, you’ll notice blocks of salt and minerals. Some are an attractive white hue while others possess a reddish brown tint.
The color of a block indicates both what mineral is inside and which animal it should be used by. Some blocks are intended for cattle, while others cater to horses or goats.
Horses no longer have access to natural salt deposits like they once did, so they need additional means of getting their daily dose of minerals from grazing alone. To compensate, owners often place salt blocks into pastures for their horses to lick throughout the day.
Cattle mineral blocks contain iron oxide, giving them a deep red hue. These blocks can be used for beef cattle, dairy cows, horses, goats, pigs and deer alike.
The Type of Block
Salt blocks are an easy and convenient way to provide your cattle with essential minerals. Not only are they easy to feed, but they come in various colors so you’re sure to find one that works for your farm.
Salt blocks can also be beneficial if your cattle have been without mineral access for some time. Cattle can easily overconsume minerals in loose mixes, so providing them with salt blocks as a supplement is an ideal solution.
These weather resistant blocks are perfect for providing free choice feeding to livestock of all species. Their moderate salt levels ensure your animals will eat them more consistently, increasing their mineral intake.
The Purpose of the Block
Cattle mineral blocks are designed to supply essential trace minerals and vitamins necessary for cattle. A mineral deficiency in animals can cause a variety of issues, such as loss of appetite, slow growth rates, low lactate levels and difficulties during reproduction.
Cattle can also be vulnerable to ingestion of non-edible materials like soil, stone and bone. Supplementing their diet with a mineral block helps eliminate this risk.
Mineral blocks are designed to offer your cattle a reliable source of minerals without needing expensive feeders and can be placed directly on the ground if desired. These convenient blocks require minimal setup and don’t need maintenance – making them the perfect solution!
Place blocks in areas where your livestock congregate or lounge. Make sure there is enough distance between each block for animals to access each one easily.
The Intake of the Block
Cattle block intake will vary based on pasture conditions and the size of the herd. Larger herds often occupy larger pastures with more available mineral sources.
Typically, cattle should consume 2 to 4 ounces of loose minerals daily. If your cattle aren’t consuming the recommended amounts, try adding a more appealing feedstuff or changing brands for one that appeals more.
Salt blocks can be an invaluable source of microelements for livestock. Not only are they cost-effective and low maintenance, but there are several commercially available loose minerals that can easily be added to grazing cattle’s diet.
