Over the last 15 years or so, detailed mineral and trace element analysis has been carried out on many thousands of forage samples, including grass, hay, grass silage and haylage. The results have shown some remarkable consistencies: over 90% of forage samples were deficient in the essential trace elements zinc, selenium, copper, cobalt and iodine. When trace elements are deficient in a ration the animal’s health and performance suffers, therefore we have to find a way to provide these vital nutrients for the animal.

Smallholder Block is a palatable, high energy, mineralised feed lick which provides a concentrated source of sugar which is important to help maintain rumen digestive efficiency, since grass sugar levels fall dramatically both after dull, wet weather and as the grazing season progresses from summer into autumn. Sugar is vital for optimum forage digestion in ruminants.

Feed blocks have several advantages over other types of feeding systems:

·   
Trickle feeding mimics nature by giving a continuous nutrient supply
·   
Balances nutrient deficiencies in forage and grazing
·   
Low labour input
·   
Minimal investment in equipment needed to use them
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Ease of storage & handling
·   
Self-regulated intake by stock
·   
Predictable consumption over time

So how do feed blocks and licks work?

Because they are fed on a free access self-help basis the blocks are typically consumed on a “little and often” basis throughout the day. This trickle feeding system mimics the way all ruminants – such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer – naturally graze and provides them with a continuous delivery of essential nutrients over a 24 hour period.
 
In nature, ruminants would have free access to a wide variety of different vegetation by grazing large areas during the day. But domesticated livestock are kept in very different circumstances with limited access to grazing and a very restricted variety of plants within the grazing area.
 
Over the last 15 years or so, detailed mineral and trace element analysis has been carried out on many thousands of forage samples, including grass, hay, grass silage and haylage. The results have shown some remarkable consistencies: over 90% of forage samples were deficient in the essential trace elements zinc, selenium, copper, cobalt and iodine. When trace elements are deficient in a ration the animal’s health and performance suffers, therefore we have to find a way to provide these vital nutrients for the animal.
 
Smallholder Block also provides all the minerals, trace elements and vitamins needed to balance grass and forage, which is essential for optimum animal performance and health. But the rumen microflora also need minerals to help them digest forages and because it is licked, not chewed or bitten, the “little and often” trickle-feeding system provided with Smallholder Block is an ideal method of ensuring this which helps to stimulate rumen fermentation and forage digestion. Smallholder Block never replaces forage – it complements and balances it and improves overall diet digestibility and efficiency of forage use.
 
When it comes to optimising animal performance and health off grass and forages, Smallholder Block really does take some licking!