Multi Nutrient Block Supplementation for Ruminants

A major constraint to ruminant livestock production is severe scarcity of feeds and fodders both in quantity and quality especially during the dry season. In the wet tropical regions, minerals are often deficient in cut and carry grass or crop residue feeding systems.There are several possibilities for improving animal performance through simple dietary manipulations. These techniques include physical,chemical and biological treatments. Excess feeding and supplementation is also known to be of immense help in improving the productivity of animals. In multi nutrient block fabrication, the technique is to mix the supplement ingredients in a container and to pour the mixture in moulds to solidify into blocks. The feeding of the blocks is a convenient and inexpensive method of providing a range of nutrients required by both the rumen microbes and the animal, which may be deficient in the diet. The main justification for using the block is their convenience for packaging, storage, transport and ease of feeding.