Ruminant Lick Blocks, Particularly in China: A Review

Abstract

A lick block (LB) is a solidified mixture of molasses, urea, minerals, filler, coagulant and binder that is supplemented to livestock mainly in relatively extensive rearing systems. It provides nutrients, such as soluble sugars, proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance dietary intake and can improve rumen fermentation and facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients. These supplements improve livestock production, reproduction and carcass quality. In addition, LB can partially replace concentrate, serve as a delivery vehicle for additives such as enzymes and drugs and mediate the distribution of grazing livestock. This paper classifies and analyzes representative research; discusses the types, ingredients and current status of the utilization of LB; and systematically reviews the processing technology, quality assessment, influencing factors of intake, action mechanism and application. This review can provide a basis for the development, popularization and application of novel LB products.