[Jacob-list] Mineral blocks

[Kathryn Shirley]

Tractor Supply has reformulated this block.  They have discontinued the black
tub (old formulation).  They are keenly aware that sheep feed should not have
added copper.  The new tub is blue and has a black and white label pasted on
the side.  This is the proper label for the new blocks.  All of the stores
around here have stocked up on them as they do sell well.

Crystallix is another brand of protein/energy supplement put out by Hubbard
feeds, I think.  My Nutrena dealer can order them.

Blue Seal also sells a molasses based protein/mineral block.

All of the above mentioned blocks are molasses based and have minimal amounts
of salt added.  The protein levels are usually around 16%.  Sheep can be
expected to consume 2 oz to 8 oz a day.

I like them because I can use them to balance out my lower protein
hays--alfalfa is very expensive around here.  This also eliminates daily
feeding (though I do check on them daily).  This allows me to spend my time
weaving, repairing, etc.  It also makes it easier to get someone to watch
them as minimal labor is required.  I have automatic waterers, round hay
bales and protein blocks.  As an added benefit, hay consumption was reduced
by about 20%!  I ended up reducing my total feed bills about 50% by using
free choice blocks and hay/grass.

As an added note, copper in and of itself will not kill sheep.  Excess copper
will.  I could get away with a higher portion of copper in my blocks as I
feed hay that has no uptake of copper.  The block is the only copper source.
I do, however, keep a sharp eye on copper content and generally aim for 10-18
ppm in a block supplement.  Those who feed alfalfa or orchard grass would
need to be especially careful of copper levels.

Kate Shirley
Humbug Farm

Cathy Robinson wrote:

> > It is a mineral/protein block made specifically for
> > sheep and goats.  I get them at Tractor Supply
> > Company. They are 125 pounds and run about $27.
>
>  I recently had an experience with the above mentioned blocks that caused
> me to swiftly return them.  After a friend several hours east of me in NC
> had sent me the product label (she had been using the product) and I had
> ascertained that there was no copper in them, I sent my husband off to
> the feed store to pick up two of the 125# tubs. He returned three hours
> later with them, and while they were still in the back of his truck I
> noted that the label was a "color" label and not the "black and white"
> label that I had been sent.  I went and got my glasses and began perusing
> the label, and it was identical in EVERY way, including product code,
> except that the color label had copper clearly listed in the ingredient
> list.  The black and white label that had been sent to me, had
> "blanks/open spaces" in those spaces, as though someone had used
> white-out at some point to create a new label.
>
> The difference in the appearance of the label was of concern, as was the
> disappearance of an ingredient on one that I do not wish to feed my
> sheep!  I called the store and talked with the manager...he did some
> research and got back to me on the following Monday. I didn't wait for
> all the answers, so  needless to say, husband climbed back in his truck
> to return blocks to the store, and after another 3 hour trip, he didn't
> get much done that day that was on his agenda.
>
> I first asked the store manager if all the blocks in his store had a
> color label that showed copper in the ingredients....seems to me they
> were a bright yellow and some other primary color....and he said
> "yes".    I then went into comparisons of data and product code....and
> asked why two versions of a label seemed to be floating around the
> Tractor Supply network in NC and which one was correct.  He contacted his
> supplier, who in turn contacted the manufacturer.....bottom line was that
> the "color" label was correct and there was copper in the blocks. He said
> TS did not sell a sheep/goat block that did not contain copper, and that
> they only sold one for sheep and goats.  He could not explain why there
> seemed to be two forms of the same label in the system but he certainly
> thought it was strange.  He went on to say that TS would not sell this
> product once supplies were exhausted....since it had been a poor seller.
> My guess is the only place it was perhaps a good seller was in the area
> that had the label that showed no added copper!  My recollection is that
> the label on the blocks we brought home and returned showed copper at
> around 40ppm----not something I would want to have available free choice.
>
> If you do buy this product from Tractor Supply, check your label.  If it
> sports a color label, copper will be clearly listed.  If the label is
> black and white, look carefully at the empty spaces that look like info
> is missing and then ask questions.
>
> Cathy
> Perfect Spot Farm
>
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