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Ruminant Lick Blocks, Particularly in China: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Xinsheng Zhao

    (Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai Plateau Yak Research Center, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China)

  • Allan Degen

    (Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410500, Israel)

  • Lizhuang Hao

    (Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai Plateau Yak Research Center, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China)

  • Shujie Liu

    (Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai Plateau Yak Research Center, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China)

Abstract

A lick block (LB) is a solidified mixture of molasses, urea, minerals, filler, coagulant and binder that is supplemented to livestock mainly in relatively extensive rearing systems. It provides nutrients, such as soluble sugars, proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance dietary intake and can improve rumen fermentation and facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients. These supplements improve livestock production, reproduction and carcass quality. In addition, LB can partially replace concentrate, serve as a delivery vehicle for additives such as enzymes and drugs and mediate the distribution of grazing livestock. This paper classifies and analyzes representative research; discusses the types, ingredients and current status of the utilization of LB; and systematically reviews the processing technology, quality assessment, influencing factors of intake, action mechanism and application. This review can provide a basis for the development, popularization and application of novel LB products.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinsheng Zhao & Allan Degen & Lizhuang Hao & Shujie Liu, 2022. "Ruminant Lick Blocks, Particularly in China: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:7620-:d:845319
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