Salt blocks are available to producers in a variety of different colors. This is something any trip to your local feed store can tell you. Each color represents different things about it.
The specific color of the block will tell you two things about it. The first is what kind of nutrients are present in the block. The second is what kind of use it is intended for. Such as the yellow sulfur block or the basic white salt block, there are many different options to go with.
With the different varieties out there it can be quite confusing as to which block is best for you. The one that is best for you will depend on what mineral(s) are deficient in your particular option. Also what you are wanting to accomplish will also play a factor in this decision.
Hard to believe that we are already in September. which means that summer is over. The temperatures are getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. This is certainly a time of year where a lot of transitioning will be going on.
Many producers out there unknowingly sabotage their mineral program by providing sulfur salt blocks to their cattle in the pasture. The general way of thinking in providing this is that it is for the purpose for external parasite control. The trouble with this is that although applied externally has shown to do this somewhat. As far as I have been able to find there is no proof that ingesting it does this.
Salt, along with other minerals, are necessary to sustain life in cows. Much like humans they are the essential building blocks for a living being to perform at best.
Salt blocks come in a variety of colors, as any trip to your local feed store will tell you. The specific color of the block will tell you two things about it. One of those is what kind of nutrients are contained in it. The second one is what kind of use it is intended for.
Imagine an ideal scenario: just one type of mineral would solve all of your problems. You could just put it out, forget it and your cows would be at the peak of health.
With the many choices of feed available it can be confusing to choose which type to use. Making this decision between protein or energy supplements is key in developing an effective cattle supplement program. Also understanding the different types of feed and nutrient requirements will ensure your cattle will perform optimally.
If you were to look at any operation you will find that feed costs are in the top 5 expenses. Feed costs often occupy the #1 spot in out-of-pocket expenses. With it being such a large initial expense it is usually the first to go when the budget starts to get tight. Here are some things to consider when developing a feeding program for your cow herd:
Hard to believe that we are already in September; summer is over, temperatures are getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. With this time of year most people are focused on weaning and getting their cows rebred for next year’s calf crop. It is also important to have a supplement program in place during this time as well.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner it is important to give your cows their best chance going into winter. As with other seasons a cow’s nutrition requirements are different during this time of year. Here are some things you can do to help your cows going into the later part of the year:
