Licking stones are a simple and extremely effective feed supplement for almost all farm animals.
Farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and game have individual and fluctuating salt and mineral requirements. These depend on many different factors such as species, breed, weight, and productivity, as well as temperature and feed.
Here, various lick stones offer a simple and effective feed supplement. Therefore, lick stones should be provided to meet individual salt and mineral requirements. Overdosing is almost impossible with lick stones, as animals normally only consume the amount they truly need.
Depending on the season and feeding requirements, licks with different compositions may be appropriate. Different licks can also be provided as a "lick bar." The animals will then usually use the lick with the specific ingredients and trace elements they currently need.
Overview of elements / vitamins in lick stones
Major and trace elements
Salt / Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Salt is an essential mineral. It regulates water balance and plays a key role in the functioning of the central nervous system. It is also important for intestinal flora and supports digestion. Possible deficiency symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and licking.
Magnesium (Mg)
Strengthens the nervous system, muscles and bones of animals. Possible deficiency symptoms: weight loss, cramps, restlessness and stress.
Calcium (Ca)
Supports bone formation and metabolism and plays a role in blood clotting. Possible deficiency symptoms: Disorders in bone formation and metabolism
Zinc (Zn)
Supports metabolism, promotes skin healing processes, strengthens the immune system. Possible deficiency symptoms: Increased susceptibility to infection, hair loss, reduced food intake, delayed wound healing
Copper (Cu)
Strengthens the nervous system and promotes iron metabolism. Possible deficiency symptoms: Iron utilization disorder, disorder of the central nervous system, increased susceptibility to fractures, disorder of pigment formation.
Selenium (Se)
To support the entire animal organism. Important for fertility, prevents muscle problems and diseases. Possible deficiency symptoms: immune deficiency, fertility problems and weak newborns, muscle weakness or atrophy, reduced growth.
Iodine (I)
Stimulates thyroid function, has a positive effect on growth and development. Possible deficiency symptoms: lethargy, goiter formation, fertility problems, loss of appetite
Iron (Fe)
Improves organ and tissue function. Plays an important role in oxygen transport in the bloodstream. Possible deficiency symptoms: fatigue and weakness, reduced performance, weight loss.
Additives / Vitamins
Vitamin A
Strengthens metabolism and the immune system
Vitamin D3
Supports growth and the immune system
Vitamin E
Supports muscles, liver and blood vessels. Be careful with copper!
Sheep can only excrete copper to a limited extent and accumulates in the liver. Once this storage is saturated, the copper is released into the sheep's body and can have toxic or even fatal effects.
Therefore, sheep should never be given licks or feed with a high copper content! You can find a detailed description of the licks and their respective uses in the shop for each lick, and a list of their exact compositions in our overview table.
