Sheep’s and goats will not always be able to get all the nutrients they need from their daily diet, and you may have to supplement their diet with a mineral block. Mineral blocks can help replenish lost minerals in your sheep and goats to keep them healthy. Mineral blocks are usually placed in the feeding area of the livestock so that they can use them when they need to, so you do not have to worry about them getting too much of a certain mineral. Mineral blocks can be hung in the enclosure or placed in a mineral block holder and placed close to where your goats and sheep eat and drink.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best mineral blocks for sheep and goats and what each product has to offer.
The best overall product is from Kalmbach, and it is a nutritious supplement mineral block with salt, vitamins, and organic trace minerals that help to support your goat and sheep healthy. This is a large mineral block that hangs from a rope to their mouth level so that they can lick it when needed. This mineral block can support a group of 5 to 15 goats and sheep at a time and works as a type of self-feeding supplement. It primarily works together to provide your goat and sheep with any lost minerals that they are not getting from their commercial feed which will help to further improve their health and prevent deficiencies.
This product is the best value for money because it offers sheep and goats a wide range of trace minerals while remaining affordable for the size of the mineral block. This mineral block contains six core minerals, including zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, iron, and cobalt which can greatly benefit your sheep and goats’ nutritional requirements. Furthermore, this mineral block is excellent at encouraging weight gain in your livestock, promoting proper appetite, and improving the livestock’s performance. If your goat or sheep herd is showing signs of mineral deficiencies, then this will be a good product to incorporate into their diet.
Pros
Affordable
Contains six-core minerals
Promotes weight gain
Cons
Must only be offered when diet deficiencies are present
Our premium choice is the Himalayan rock salt mineral lick as it provides your goat and sheep with naturally occurring trace minerals and electrolytes. The main benefit to this type of mineral lick is that the salt helps to naturally increase their thirst which will encourage your sheep and goats to drink more water to stay hydrated. This mineral block is also smaller than other types of mineral blocks, but it is resistant to biting or being washed away in the rain which helps it to last longer. It is safe to keep near your livestock without having to worry about them using this mineral block too often.
Pros
Natural occurring trace minerals
Rain and weather resistant
Safe for long-term use
Cons
Livestock can become dehydrated if they do not drink enough water while using this
4. Focus Nutrition Compressed Mineral Himalayan Salt Block
This product is similar to Himalayan mineral blocks but in a more processed and compressed form. It is on the smaller side so it will not last as long as other mineral blocks in the category. Some benefits of using the compressed mineral Himalayan salt block for your goat and sheep is that it will provide them with much-needed nutrients while providing them with entertainment and reducing boredom. It contains minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium which help to replenish lost electrolytes. It comes with a small hanging rope that can be tied to a post or hung from a certain area where your goat and sheep can easily access it.
Pros
Includes hanging rope
Replenishes lost electrolytes
Helps prevent boredom
Cons
Small size
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Mineral Block for Sheep
Why should you provide a mineral block for goats and sheep?
Mineral blocks can be beneficial for goat and sheep owners as it helps to replenish any minerals and salts that they could be lacking from their daily diet. It also provides them with a form of entertainment which in return helps to relieve boredom. Some forms of mineral blocks can also encourage your goat and sheep to drink more water. Another significant benefit is that mineral blocks are a safe and natural way for goats and sheep to get nutrients they are lacking by themselves without you having to worry about adding these supplements separately into their main diet and risk overdosing them on certain minerals.
Benefits of mineral blocks for sheep and goats
Provide them with trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, cobalt, copper, and iodine
Replenishes lost electrolytes
An affordable and safe way to encourage your livestock to drink more water
Helps prevent boredom
Increases the efficiency and overall health of livestock
Conclusion
Our two top picks from the products we have reviewed in this article are the Kalmbach 3-in-1 mineral block because it is large enough to sustain a large herd of goats and sheep while remaining affordable. Our second top pick is the Himalayan Naturals mineral block as it provides your sheep and goats with electrolytes and salts that are beneficial to their health and well-being.
