On this occasion we share with you a tutorial article where we will start by giving an outline on the importance of multi-nutritional blocks and then proceed to explain step by step how to make a block containing different nutrients to feed and nourish ruminants.
Therefore, when cattle fail to achieve the nutritional requirements for their maintenance and productive activities such as milk production or reproduction, a supplementary feeding is required, which is nothing more than looking for a food alternative that allows to supply the nutrients that are not found in the consumed forages. That is why in this publication we address aspects related to the elaboration of multi-nutritional blocks, since they are an alternative to supplement some nutrients that are deficient in pastures, especially in critical times.
What is a Multi-nutritional block?
It is a solid food with a high concentration of energy, protein and minerals. Generally these preparations contain Urea, Molasses and an element that allows the mixture to solidify such as lime or cement. The manufacture of the blocks is not so complicated and can be carried out in the same production unit following the following steps:
Step by step for the elaboration of a multi-nutritional block:
Follow Step 1. Location of the ingredients to be used
There are many formulas or mixtures that can be used, but generally speaking a multi-nutritional block should contain basic elements such as:
*Molasses: as an energy source, its sweet taste makes the product palatable, in addition to serving as a binder.
* Nitrogenous elements: as was protein such as urea and/or oilseed meal.
* Minerals: salts such as phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, as well as common salt that provides sodium and chlorine
• Fibrous foods: Agricultural or industrial, such as straw stubble, cane stubble, rice husk.
*Lime or cement: serves to add solidity to the block.
In our particular case we will use the following ingredients in percentages, since depending on the amount you want to make in kilos the percentage will allow you to obtain the exact amount in kilos or grams.
• molasses 45 %
• Urea 5 %
- common salt 5%
- commercial Mineral 5%
- pasture stubble 10%
- cement 10%
- leaves of Leucaena 20%
Take Step 2. Chop and mix the ingredients
The grass stubble (leaves left on the floor of the paddock) and the Leucaena leaves are chopped into smaller particles approximately 2 cm, then in a container, caneca or failing that on a plastic the grass stubble, the Leucaena leaves, the minerals, the common salt and finally the molasses are poured, then the ingredients begin to mix until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
After obtaining a homogeneous mixture, it is sought that said mixture has consistency, to achieve this, a groove is opened in the middle of the mixture and the cement is applied to it, just like the previous step, the cement begins to mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3. Shaping the mixture
After applying the cement and when the mixed material feels well uniform, we can take a portion with our hand and squeeze it if it does not crumble, we proceed to place it in a container or mold and start compacting it with our hands or any tool that allows to do so. It is recommended to place a plastic at the bottom of the molds to prevent the mixture from sticking and coming out easily.
Step 4. Drying of the block.
Once the mixture is compacted in the mold, it is removed from there and placed on a plastic in a cool place for approximately 48 hours, with the intention that the block acquires hardness and the cattle cannot bite it, only lick it.
Dear farmers, there are a wide variety of food alternatives in the livestock sector, that is why agrotecnia is committed to sharing them with you in a didactic and simple way, based on the experiences that have been obtained through research and technical advice at the field level.
The photographs and videos were taken in different production units, in addition to the collaboration of BIO min bloq specialists in Venezuela of multi-nutritional blocks, we are satisfied to have spaces like these where information of agricultural interest can be shared, if the information presented seems relevant to you, do not hesitate to share it.
Bibliographic references
Combellas, J. (1998). Feeding the dual-purpose cow and her young. Caracas: Inlaca Foundation.
National Research Council (NRC) (2001). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (7th Ed.). National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Pírela, G. and Araujo, O. (1996). Strategic feeding with multi-nutritional blocks. Supplementation of mautas to grazing. Scientific Journal FCV-LUZ. (6), 95-98.
Santacoloma, L. (2009). Nutrition of Ruminants. Bogotá: National Open and Distance University.
Valbuena, L. (2018). Daily body weight gain in grazing steers supplemented with mineralized nutritional blocks. Unpublished degree work. Universidad Nacional experimental Sur del Lago "UNESUR", Santa Bárbara de Zulia.
