Salt licks for horses, cattle and livestock – why use them?
Salt licks for horses, cattle and livestock. Did you know that horses and cattle can benefit from using Himalayan salt licks? Salt licks are natural, chemical free, and suitable for farm animals, wild animals, or pets. Whether it is for horses, cows, or sheep, salt licks are an easy way to add natural trace minerals into their diet. You can also use them for deer. And for our slightly smaller household pets such as rabbits, and hamsters, there are various smaller options to choose from.
What is a salt lick?
Basically a salt lick is a block of salt which you hang by a rope so that the horse or cattle can easily access it. The salt lick is made from slabs of Himalayan salt. They contain 84 natural trace minerals which is the source of the salt. They do also come in compressed salt blocks, round shapes, and large blocks for cattle. You can also purchase mounted holders which you drop the block into allowing the animals, such as deer, to access them easily.
Are salt licks all the same?
There are actually a few different salt licks to choose from with each offering something slightly different. The main ones to choose from are Himalayan, red or white.
If your animal has never had a salt lick before then consider using a white lick to start them off as it contains sodium chloride.
A red lick contains minerals such as copper, cobalt, iron, iodine and manganese. If your animal is already on a balanced diet they may not require these additional minerals, so check before you offer them a red lick.
Himalayan salt licks are made from salt blocks from the Himalayan salt ranges in the Punjab region of Pakistan. They contain 84 trace minerals including high levels of calcium. Again check what your animals are getting in their current diet before introducing additional salts to them.
Why do animals need salt licks?
Animals, like humans, have a craving for salt, and whilst they will normally find some within the other foods that they eat it may be necessary to supplement salt in their diet.
Containing a mixture of sodium, calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals salt licks are ideal as a salt supplement for your animal’s diet. Salt licks are a source of natural pure salt which will help maintain bones, muscles, and both nervous and circulatory systems.
Why use a Salt lick
Salt licks contain trace minerals including calcium which is required for the development of strong bones within both the skeleton of the animal and also their teeth.
There are many other important minerals within the salt licks including magnesium, selenium, sodium, chlorine, and phosphorus. These minerals are important in helping promote the healthy development of the animals.
Think of them as nature’s natural health supplement for animals and cattle.
Caution
Some animals are better than others at regulating their salt intake. While some only consume what they need, others will over-indulge. Remember that a high level of salt intake can make animals thirsty. So it is important that you provide large volumes of fresh drinking water.
If you feel your animals are overusing the salt lick then monitor them carefully. Remember to offer fresh drinking water. And you can always restrict access to the salt lick if necessary.
Summary
So now you know that Himalayan salt licks are beneficial for both horses and cattle. They are natural, chemical free, and help promote good health.
More ideas
Do you still want to learn more? Then why not head over to our other sections to find out more about salt, its uses, other salt products, and some quick and easy recipes?