The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: moprabbit on December 31, 2023, 10:56:36 am

Title: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: moprabbit on December 31, 2023, 10:56:36 am

Just wondered what brand of loose minerals people use for their sheep? I have a smallholder's mineral lick which they love but I know it's got a lot of molasses in it.

Title: Re: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: SallyintNorth on December 31, 2023, 04:41:44 pm

Molasses is good for pregnant sheep, they need a lot of sugar in the final 8 weeks ;)

Many of Mole Valley's own mineral/feed licks are made with spent brewers grains, if that's preferable for you? 

I used to use loose minerals over winter from PK Ruminant Nutrition and liked them very much, but you do need to be able to put them out under a rain hat of some sort if possible or there is a lot lost to rain.  Paul delivers across the north of England from his base near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but you'd need to ask him if he delivers to your area.

Title: Re: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: moprabbit on January 01, 2024, 10:34:26 am

Thanks for the information Sally, I'll have a look at this on the Internet.

Title: Re: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: woollyval on January 02, 2024, 09:00:00 am

The smallholder lick buckets are great and I use the general mole and wynstay bucket licks for sheep. Molasses replaces the sugar carbohydrate found in the grass when it’s growing well in the spring and summer.
Loose minerals get dusty and dirty and damp and unappealing

Title: Re: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: moprabbit on January 05, 2024, 08:27:13 pm

Thanks Woollyval, good point about the loose minerals.

Title: Re: Loose minerals for sheep
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 07, 2024, 06:05:58 pm

Yes, with the loose minerals you just put out enough for a few days, discard and clean the container when replenishing.