Whether you run a few cattle on a hobby farm, manage a commercial grazing enterprise or own horses, providing the right nutrition is one of the best investments you can make in your animals.
At the Mullumbimby Rural Co-op, we’re proud to support livestock owners across the Northern Rivers with expert advice and quality nutrition products to help animals stay healthy, productive and performing at their best.
One of the simplest and most effective nutritional tools available is the humble lick block.
What are lick blocks?
Lick blocks are compressed nutritional supplements that provide livestock with essential minerals, trace elements, vitamins and, depending on the product, protein or energy. Animals naturally consume the block as required, helping to fill nutritional gaps that pasture alone may not provide.
Across the Northern Rivers, our lush pastures are one of our greatest assets. However, seasonal changes, heavy rainfall, soil type and periods of drought can all affect the mineral content of pasture. Even animals grazing on quality pasture can benefit from targeted mineral supplementation.
Why are lick blocks important for your animals?
Providing the right lick block will help support:
- Healthy growth and strong bone development
- Better fertility and reproductive performance
- Improved weight gain and feed efficiency
- Stronger immune systems
- Healthy calves, lambs and foals
- Better milk production in breeding animals
- Healthy hooves, coats and muscle function
- Reduced risk of mineral deficiencies and metabolic issues
- Support during seasonal pasture changes
They are an easy, low-maintenance way to provide ongoing nutrition without the need for daily feeding.
How do I choose the right lick block?
Not all lick blocks are the same. Choosing the right one depends on several factors.
1. Consider your livestock
Different animals have different nutritional requirements.
- Beef cattle often benefit from mineral or protein blocks depending on pasture quality.
- Dairy cattle usually require higher levels of calcium and minerals to support milk production.
- Sheep need blocks formulated specifically for sheep. Many cattle blocks contain added copper, which can be toxic to sheep.
- Goats generally require goat- or sheep-specific mineral supplements.
- Horses should only receive blocks designed specifically for equine nutrition.
If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the safest and most effective option.
2. Think about the season
The nutritional needs of livestock change throughout the year.
- Spring: Fast-growing green pasture may be low in fibre and some key minerals such as magnesium.
- Summer: Hot weather increases the need for salt and electrolytes, particularly for grazing animals.
- Autumn: As pasture quality begins to decline, protein and mineral supplementation may become more important.
- Winter: Dry or frosted pasture often contains lower protein and energy levels, making protein-based lick blocks valuable for maintaining body condition.
3. Consider your pasture
Pasture testing or observing your livestock can help identify nutritional gaps.
If animals are:
- Losing condition
- Showing poor growth
- Experiencing low fertility
- Displaying rough coats
- Eating unusual materials such as soil or bark
they may benefit from mineral supplementation. If you’re unsure, seek advice from a livestock nutritionist or veterinarian.
How do you use a lick block?
- Place the block in a paddock where livestock have easy access.
- Position it on firm, well-drained ground or in a suitable feeder to reduce waste.
- Keep fresh, clean drinking water available at all times.
- Monitor consumption. Animals may consume more initially if they have been deficient, before settling into a steady intake.
- Replace the block when it has been consumed.
Avoid placing blocks close to water troughs or gateways where stock may crowd and damage the surrounding area.
How many blocks do you need?
The number required depends on:
- Number of animals
- Age and size of livestock
- Block size
- Manufacturer’s recommended intake
As a guide, one large block is generally suitable for a small mob of cattle, but larger herds will require multiple blocks to ensure all animals have access. Spreading blocks throughout the paddock can also reduce competition.
Common mistakes to avoid
To get the most benefit from lick blocks:
- Always choose a block suitable for your livestock species.
- Never feed cattle blocks containing copper to sheep unless the label specifically states they are safe.
- Don’t rely on lick blocks as a replacement for quality feed.
- Ensure animals always have access to clean drinking water.
- Check blocks regularly and replace them before they are completely consumed.
Need help choosing?
With so many options available, selecting the right supplement can seem overwhelming. The team at Mullumbimby Co-op can help you choose the best lick block based on:
- Your livestock
- Your pasture conditions
- The season
- Your production goals
- Your budget
We’re here to provide practical advice backed by local knowledge of farming conditions across the Northern Rivers.
Visit Mullumbimby Co-op
Whether you’re running cattle, sheep, goats or horses, Mullumbimby Co-op stocks a wide range of trusted lick blocks and livestock nutrition products.
Come in and chat with our experienced team—we’ll help you choose the right product to keep your animals healthy and productive all year round.
Healthy animals start with balanced nutrition, and we’re proud to support Northern Rivers farmers with quality products, expert advice and friendly local service.
