Ryesdexters wrote:What are feed blocks?
Licks and blocks are similar in that they are a solid form of minerals, feed and usually molasses compressed.
I would call a lick something that is fairly solid and that can only be licked, or maybe scraped a bit with their teeth. They should last a long time and usually come in a bucket or a block with a hole through to hang from a gate.
A feed block is softer and can easily be scraped, so the uptake (assuming they like the flavour) is much higher. They are usually supplied not in a bucket and you place them on the ground, up against a tree or in a special container made for them. Feed blocks are a quick, easy and effective way of getting minerals and energy into livestock. I wouldn't use many as they are expensive given the rate of uptake, and you don't want fat cattle if you can help it.
If you want to feed though, I'd say best to use actual feed because you know then what they've had and how much. A lot of people will feed a bit over the autumn and winter to ensure that their cattle are getting what they need, including mag.
Generally, we use the yellow cattle buckets from Supalyx. Another range highly recommended by most farmers is Crystalyx, but we've not used them.
If in doubt about your licks and whether they are being licked by all, then put another make and model out and see how it goes.
With my vet, he made the sun shine that once, but since then he's been hopeless
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