Mineral block: a solid lick for grazing livestock
A mineral block is a pressed mixture of salt and minerals that livestock lick to supply part of their mineral needs. Blocks are convenient on pasture, but animals consume different amounts. Check the label for the intended intake per head.
Can a mineral block meet the whole herd’s needs?
Check what the block supplies and whether every animal can reach it. Loose minerals offered freely are generally preferred for grazing cattle, allowing each animal to choose its intake. Mineral blocks are typically 95–99 per cent salt, often lack calcium and phosphorus, and may contain too little trace mineral to be effective. A block can still provide a useful supplement when used at the label rate and made accessible to the whole group.
Questions from the farm
Is a mineral block the same as loose minerals?
A mineral block is pressed into a solid lick, and intake varies between animals. Loose minerals are a mixture offered freely in a feeder. Track each product separately.
How HerdMobile helps
Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.
Use HerdMobile to track feed purchases and use, including mineral supplements. Note the product, date and animals receiving it so you can check past use.
