Animal lick salt, often referred to as a salt block or mineral block, is a crucial nutritional supplement provided to livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and wildlife. These hard, dense blocks of compressed salt and minerals are placed in pastures or feeding areas, allowing animals to freely regulate their intake by licking the block as needed.

The provision of these blocks addresses a common deficiency in the natural forage and feed available to grazing animals: sodium chloride (salt). While grass and hay provide energy and protein, they often lack the essential micronutrients required for optimal health, growth, and reproduction.

Why Salt Licks are Vital for Animals:

1. Electrolyte Balance and Hydration: Salt is necessary for maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance and regulating thirst. A proper sodium intake encourages animals to drink adequate water, which is critical for digestion, nutrient transport, and preventing dehydration, especially in hot weather.
2. Essential Mineral Supplementation: Modern salt blocks are typically fortified with a combination of vital minerals that are often scarce in the diet:
   • Iodine: Crucial for thyroid function and metabolism.
   • Zinc: Important for immune function, hoof, and coat health.
   • Copper: Essential for blood formation and reproductive health.
   • Selenium: Works as an antioxidant and is important for muscle function.
3. Appetite and Digestion: Adequate salt intake stimulates saliva production, which aids in digestion and increases the animal’s appetite, ensuring they consume the necessary amounts of their regular feed.
4. Himalayan Salt Licks: Blocks carved directly from Himalayan salt are a popular, natural alternative. These blocks are naturally rich in up to 84 trace minerals, providing a more comprehensive spectrum of nutrients that animals can access at their own pace.

Types of Salt Licks:

• White Salt Blocks (Plain Salt): Contain only sodium chloride, used primarily to ensure adequate salt intake.
• Trace Mineralized Salt Blocks: The most common type, these contain salt plus the essential trace minerals listed above. They are often color-coded (red, brown, or blue) to indicate the specific blend of minerals.
• Medicated Blocks: Some blocks are specially formulated to deliver deworming medications or other supplements to the herd.

Providing clean, fresh access to a suitable salt lick is a cornerstone of responsible animal husbandry, directly contributing to the vigor and long-term well-being of the stock.