Sometimes we over look one of the most important ingredients in the total ration and how we deliver it. For starters, blocks are worthless. It always should be provided in a loose form and free choice. Salt should be offered free of manure contamination and moisture. Salt should be a basic ingredient in all rations and in grain rations should be added at 1%, 20# per ton.
Salt is used as a key carrier to provide access to Vitamins and trace elements including iodine and selenium. Mineral companies use it and flavoring agents to either control or influence consumption of minerals. There is where the danger lies, when the mineral contains phosphorus regardless of ratio it will increase the probability of urinary calculi in male animals. No animal consumes mineral based on need but basically as the result of flavoring agents and salt content.
It may sound like a simple thing but salt starved animals don’t do all that well.
