Salt Block — Livestock Feed Analysis
Salt blocks provide sodium chloride, an essential mineral that livestock cannot obtain in adequate quantities from most forages and feeds. Salt is the only mineral that livestock will actively seek out and self-regulate consumption, making it an effective carrier for trace minerals. White salt blocks contain only sodium chloride, while trace mineral salt blocks (typically red or brown) add zinc, manganese, copper, iron, iodine, and cobalt. Salt consumption varies by species and conditions: cattle consume 1-3 ounces per day, horses 1-2 ounces, sheep and goats 0.5-1 ounce, and consumption increases significantly during hot weather, lactation, and periods of high perspiration. Salt blocks placed away from water sources can be used to encourage livestock to utilize underused areas of pasture. Loose salt is consumed more consistently than blocks, particularly in cold weather when block consumption decreases.
Which Animals Can Salt Block Feed?
The table below shows how Salt Block performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 0% crude protein and 0% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 0% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 0% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where salt block fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 24.0 lbs | No | No | $108.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 49.0 lbs | No | No | $220.50 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 22.0 lbs | No | No | $99.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.3 lbs | No | No | $23.63 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.0 lbs | No | No | $27.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.3 lbs | No | No | $23.63 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 12.0 lbs | No | No | $54.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 7.5 lbs | No | No | $33.75 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | No | No | $0.90 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $1.35 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 0.9 lbs | No | No | $3.94 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $1.42 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $1.26 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 6.3 lbs | No | No | $28.35 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 2.7 lbs | No | No | $12.15 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 7.5 lbs | No | No | $33.75 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 36.0 lbs | No | No | $162.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 20.0 lbs | No | No | $90.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.0 lbs | No | No | $22.50 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | No | No | $27.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Salt Block with other feeds in the supplement category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Mineral Supplement | 98% | 0% | 0% | $800 | $816 |
| Salt Block | 100% | 0% | 0% | $300 | $300 |
| Kelp Meal | 90% | 6% | 45% | $1200 | $1333 |
| Fat Supplement (Bypass Fat) | 99% | 0% | 180% | $1000 | $1010 |
| Urea (Feed Grade) | 99% | 281% | 0% | $500 | $505 |
Feeding Guidelines for Salt Block
When incorporating salt block into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 100%, each pound of as-fed salt block provides 1.00 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 0% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 0.0 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 0% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of salt block at $300 per ton translates to $0.150 per pound as-fed or $0.150 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.