Lick blocks and their uses on the farm

ALZU feeds have formulated the perfect lick blocks for different types of animals found on the farm. In this article, we will look at the uses of lick blocks, when they are beneficial to use in production, and mineral composition of these blocks, and the benefits of using them in your agricultural practice. Let’s start with the most obvious question:

What is an animal lick block?

In olden times, humans discovered that animals will sometimes lick natural salt and mineral deposits when they find them in the ground. Livestock and other animals will lick these deposits to supplement their diets with salt, magnesium, or calcium. Animals will have cravings and try to fulfill these cravings, brought on by deficiencies, by licking these deposits.   These were mostly found close to water sources as the water washes away the topsoil layer, revealing the minerals.

A lick block can be categorized as a block of artificial supplements, made up of ingredients like protein, fiber, calcium, and phosphates. It may include other ingredients, depending on the type. These mineral blocks are then placed in the veld for the animals to consume.

These mineral blocks enable the farmer to supplement nutrient shortages during dryer spells and when the feed provided might not provide all the nutrients needed for healthy livestock.

What are the benefits of animal lick blocks made by Alzu Feeds?

These lick blocks are durable and will withstand most weather conditions, resulting in longer-lasting blocks with less wastage.

The intake of minerals is controlled due to the composition of the ingredients.

The packaging of these blocks is made with easy removal in mind to lessen damage to the block when removing it from the packaging.

Some options can be used as a drought supplement and can be beneficial in veld production and management.

Helps improve herd fertility and weaning mass.

Improves herd health.

When do I need to use mineral blocks?

A study by Du Toit, Louw, and Malan drew the following conclusion as far back as 1940 after a comprehensive survey on the composition of pastures: “Judged by the estimated requirements of cattle and sheep for growth, all South African pastures, composed mainly or wholly of grasses, are deficient in phosphorus, crude protein, and certain areas sodium, for a period ranging from five to nine months of the year, depending on the area.

“There are indications that in certain of these regions, the pasture may be deficient in phosphorus throughout the year.

Provided sufficient food is available, an intake of phosphorus, crude protein, or sodium below the optimum requirements for growth, will seldom occur on pastures composed mainly of bushes.”

The nutritional value of pastures thus differs as drastically as the environments in which they are found, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to correct the nutritional deficiencies and/or imbalances in all types of pasture.

Another South African study done in the 1970s had the following conclusions

It is generally accepted that most grazings in South Africa are deficient in NaCl and this compound exerts a major influence on the feeding and grazing behaviour of livestock. A salt deficiency will cause a notable decrease in water and dry matter consumption, leading to smaller, weaker stock.

Livestock can benefit from the addition of phosphorus to their diet but it is not recommended with low–quality roughage diets like winter grass and crop residues as this mineral can lead to depression in animal productivity. The need for phosphorus supplementation in a reproductive female depends on the frequency and duration of pregnancy and lactation. Nevertheless, when phosphorus is supplemented in conjunction with nitrogen and energy in the form of rumen-stimulating licks even on green grazing, the reaction is positive and beneficial. It is therefore not advisable to feed phosphate-salt licks during the worst time of the year.

Lick supplementation in winter should be preferably in the form of rumen-stimulating compounds. The supplementation of winter grass veld or crop residues with rumen-stimulating licks results in a greater live mass of females. This is essential for better fertility and reproduction. Extra live mass gain may be obtained to a high economic degree if rumen-stimulating licks are fed during summer after the month of maximum rainfall.

What kind of Alzu feeds are available for my agricultural needs?

ALZU GAME BLOCK AWIL REG. NO: V28646 ACT 36 OF 1947

Specifications:

Protein (min) 150 g/kg                                Sulphur (min) 9 g/kg

Moisture (max) 120 g/kg                            Manganese (min) 400 g/kg

Fibre (max) 100 g/kg                                   Zinc (min) 400 g/kg

Calcium (max) 20 g/kg                                Selenium (min)    1 mg/kg

Phosphate (min) 18 g/kg

Ingredients include Grain products, processed grain by-products, plant protein products, roughage products, sugar by-products, feed lime, salt, MCP, vitamins, and minerals. The ALZU Game Block is a balanced protein, energy, and mineral source. It contains essential amino acids for growth and reproduction. This block also assists in maintaining the condition of healthy animals. The game block additionally assists with the control of external parasites.

ALZU PROTEIN BLOCK APROTEIN REG. NO: V28646 ACT 36 OF 1947

Specifications:

Protein (min)  300 g/kg                                        Copper (min) 75 g/kg

Prot Ex NPN (max) 72%                                       Manganese (min)  400 g/kg

Urea (max) 75 g/kg                                                Zinc (min)  400 g/kg

Fibre (max) 100 g/kg                                            Cobalt (min) 0.75 mg/kg

Calcium (max)  120 g/kg                                        Iodine (min) 3 mg/kg

Phosphate (min) 18 g/kg                                       Selenium (min) 1 mg/kg

Sulphur (min) 6 g/kg                                               Vitamin A(min) 100000 UI/kg

Ingredients include grain products, processed grain by-products, plant protein products, roughage products, sugar by-products, feed lime, salt, MCP, Vitamins, and minerals. The ALZU Protein block supplements veld grazing with natural and NPN-proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. The protein block stimulates intake and veld utilization by providing the correct balance of nutrients to the rumen microbes. The protein block is suitable for cattle, sheep, and goats.

Warning: This feed supplement contains Urea and is not suitable for horses or game.

ALZU MINERAL BLOCK A MINERAAL REG. NO: V28646 ACT 36 OF 1947

Specifications:

Fibre (max) 100 g/kg                                        Zinc (min) 525 mg/kg

Moisture (max) 120 g/kg                                  Copper (min) 104 mg/kg

Calcium (max) 80 g/kg                                    Cobalt (min) 1.6 mg/kg

Phosphate (min) 40 g/kg                                Iodine (min) 6.25 mg/kg

Sulphur (min) 70 g/kg                                    Selenium (min) 1.6 mg/kg

Magnesium (min) 10 g/kg                              Manganese (min) 525 mg/kg

Ingredients include Grain products, processed grain by-products, plant protein products, roughage products, sugar by-products, feed lime, salt, MCP, Vitamins, and minerals. The MINERAL block promotes the conception on natural grazing and ensures proper weaning weights. It is an all-season vitamin and mineral supplement for grazing animals. The MINERAL block is enriched with phosphorus which serves as an advantage in phosphate-deficient environments and supplies vital trace minerals.

ALZU SHEEP BLOCK ASKAAP REG. NO: V29919 ACT 36 OF 1947

Specifications:

Protein (min) 200 g/kg                                        Phosphate (min) 4 g/kg

Prot Ex NPN (max) 41.5%                                   Sulphur (min) 5 g/kg

Urea (max) 10 g/kg                                              Manganese (min) 180 mg/kg

Ammonium Chloride (max) 25 g/kg                    Zinc (min) 150 mg/kg

Moisture (max) 120 g/kg                                    Selenium (min) 0.9 mg/kg

Fibre (max) 60 g/kg                                            Calcium 35 g/kg

Ingredients include grain products, processed grain by-products, plant protein products, roughage products, sugar products, Enzymatic preparations, Feed lime, salt, MCP, Organic Minerals, Anti-oxidants, and mould inhibitors. The ALZU Sheep block aids in improving productivity and maintaining the condition of animals on natural grazing. It serves as a drought supplement. The Sheep block can be used for flush feeding to improve weight gain or before breeding. The sheep[ block improves the utilization of natural grazing. By providing balanced protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. The block helps to overcome deficiencies in natural grazing. The ALZU Sheep block helps with the promotion of wool growth and strength and also improves fertility and fecundity. It is additionally enriched with Ammonium Chloride for the prevention of bladder stones.

Warning: This feed supplement contains Urea and is not suitable for horses or game.

HORSE BLOCK APERD REG. NO: V29918 ACT 36 OF 1947

The ALZU Horse Block is a balanced protein, energy, and mineral source. It contains essential amino acids for growth and reproduction.

References for this article:

Articles: Alzu Blog - Alzu Lick Blocks http://www.alzu.co.za/alzuFeedsLick.html

Articles: Farmer’s Weekly - Different licks for different seasons. https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/cattle/different-licks-for-different-seasons/

An Evaluation of the Application of Stock Licks in South Africa by G.N. Louw

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