Loose Minerals vs Block Minerals

BarnBum · 09-02-2008, 08:42 PM

I have always used the red mineral block in my stalls in one of their fancy little holders. The humity is horrible and it makes it 'sweat' and nasty. I am replcing them at least 2x month b/c they crumble.

Is there a better alternative ?? My horses are also on Source and soon to be Seminole Wellness Perform Safe <making the switch this week> which both have minerals in them.

I guess, what I am asking, is loose minerals better vs the red mineral block and if so , how do you feed them ??????? Top dressed or loose in a bucket in their stall.

fishing_trex · 09-02-2008, 08:54 PM

Several equine nutritionists as well as my vet have said the red mineral blocks aren't very good for horses (I'm talking about the non-equine generic blocks) as the horse can't eat enough to get the minerals it needs.

I have a white salt block out if they want salt and they get a mineral/vitamin supplement that I control. I have several friends that buy loose mineral and leave it out in a bucket (some use RedCal, others use Redmond) and the horses really like them. If you are feeding the recommended amounts of your feed, they probably don't need a mineral supplement. If you don't want to leave a loose one outside in a bucket (although RedCal says you can and it won't disappear with the rain), you could top dress with it if you feel they are not getting what they need.

beezwing · 09-02-2008, 08:57 PM

so what about those pretty pink Himalayan salt rock on a rope that I see on line?

like this stuff

Wendy F · 09-02-2008, 09:02 PM

Not sure what kind of Minerals you use but....

First all minerals are not the same. Trace minerals are just that "A trace of minerals" Look on the label and they are usually 96% salt.

If you are using a good mineral (I like Grostrong by ADM but you can get this through Jeffers also) There are others just look at label.

Pros to Block is that if they are missing something they will get what they need. Downside is waste.

Pros to loose is that there is less waste and you can stabilize their diet if you know what you need.

I like a block for the simple fact that I have a mare that will chew wood'trees (not crib) during winter. She is missing phosphorus, so it allows her to get whats needed and I don't have to worry about her missing anything. Plus the fact that I don't look like I have an overgrown beaver in my pasture helps!

BarnBum · 09-02-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendy F

Not sure what kind of Minerals you use but....

First all minerals are not the same. Trace minerals are just that "A trace of minerals" Look on the label and they are usually 96% salt.

If you are using a good mineral (I like Grostrong by ADM but you can get this through Jeffers also) There are others just look at label.

Pros to Block is that if they are missing something they will get what they need. Downside is waste.

Pros to loose is that there is less waste and you can stabilize their diet if you know what you need.

I like a block for the simple fact that I have a mare that will chew wood'trees (not crib) during winter. She is missing phosphorus, so it allows her to get whats needed and I don't have to worry about her missing anything. Plus the fact that I don't look like I have an overgrown beaver in my pasture helps!

The minerals I am using is the red mineral block in the stall, plus they get Source and what minerals are in their grain. Seminole Wellness Perform Safe.
I don't use the white salt lick b/c Source has salt in it. They really don't touch their red mineral block ..... I have more waste than use !!

I do not feel my horses are lacking anything, its just that darned eyesore of a mineral block in their stall sweating away and making a nasty mess !!!!!!! I was seeing of an alternative, but I guess the old saying " If it ain't broke, then don't fix it"

PeggySue · 09-03-2008, 06:38 AM

The block do limited good for horses BECAUSE horses have a smooth tonuge that makes it hard for them to get what they need out of the blocks although I do still put them out for the horses something to lick on besides ME!!

I perfer loose minerals in a bucket ... replace your bracket with a bucket holder and I just fill mine as needed... I do this with loose salt as well.. I get LITTLE buckets and put a couple cups of minerals in them at a time when it is empty I refill.. works great

The funny thing about he loose minerals is that sometimes one color will be left at bottom of bucket and ssometimes a different color ... does that make sense??

Carri · 09-03-2008, 06:59 AM

I use the Himalayan blocks, my horses LOVE them, that is the only downside, they are expensive ($15) and each horse goes through about one a month.
My horses also get Equalizer in with their feed, just to supplement them.

Wendy F · 09-03-2008, 05:44 PM

[quote=PeggySue;1372624]The block do limited good for horses BECAUSE horses have a smooth tonuge that makes it hard for them to get what they need out of the blocks although I do still put them out for the horses something to lick on besides ME!!

I think this must depend on the type of mineral you are feeding. The Grostrong block is already crumbling when you open it. It is not hard. (Hard to explain unless you have used it.) I put it in a feeder for cows that is covered and off the ground. They can break this. It was actually recommended to me for the mare I spoke of previous, by a nutritionist. It sure fixed her beaverism!

Wendy F · 09-03-2008, 05:51 PM

If you are already feeding a feed with minerals and giving source then you should be okay. If your horse's coat is shiny and it is "not broke", I personally would not fix it. What is the name of the red block? If it is a basic red small horse mineral block about $5.00. It probably is only a trace mineral block. You really don't have to give salt and that block. Look at the label.

If is is normally a lot more pricewise, it is probably a good mineral.

PeggySue · 09-03-2008, 08:26 PM

there are horse blocks that crumble but most people can't get them I know if I want them I have to special order them

PepperPony · 09-05-2008, 09:19 AM

My horse has access to both a block and loose minerals. The block is outside and she can get to it any time and the loose is in her stall. I don't ever see her licking the block but every once in awhile she'll come out from eating in her stall with red lips

One of the other horses is always licking the salt block but he likes it better when i give him loose stuff- I think he can get more with less effort. I guess it just depends on what you and your horses like.

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09-02-2008, 08:42 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,542	Loose Minerals vs Block Minerals I have always used the red mineral block in my stalls in one of their fancy little holders. The humity is horrible and it makes it 'sweat' and nasty. I am replcing them at least 2x month b/c they crumble. Is there a better alternative ?? My horses are also on Source and soon to be Seminole Wellness Perform Safe <making the switch this week> which both have minerals in them. I guess, what I am asking, is loose minerals better vs the red mineral block and if so , how do you feed them ??????? Top dressed or loose in a bucket in their stall. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

09-02-2008, 08:54 PM
fishing_trex Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,302	Several equine nutritionists as well as my vet have said the red mineral blocks aren't very good for horses (I'm talking about the non-equine generic blocks) as the horse can't eat enough to get the minerals it needs. I have a white salt block out if they want salt and they get a mineral/vitamin supplement that I control. I have several friends that buy loose mineral and leave it out in a bucket (some use RedCal, others use Redmond) and the horses really like them. If you are feeding the recommended amounts of your feed, they probably don't need a mineral supplement. If you don't want to leave a loose one outside in a bucket (although RedCal says you can and it won't disappear with the rain), you could top dress with it if you feel they are not getting what they need. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

09-02-2008, 08:57 PM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,717	so what about those pretty pink Himalayan salt rock on a rope that I see on line? like this stuff __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis Last edited by beezwing : 09-02-2008 at 09:06 PM.

09-02-2008, 09:02 PM
Wendy F Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 951	Not sure what kind of Minerals you use but.... First all minerals are not the same. Trace minerals are just that "A trace of minerals" Look on the label and they are usually 96% salt. If you are using a good mineral (I like Grostrong by ADM but you can get this through Jeffers also) There are others just look at label. Pros to Block is that if they are missing something they will get what they need. Downside is waste. Pros to loose is that there is less waste and you can stabilize their diet if you know what you need. I like a block for the simple fact that I have a mare that will chew wood'trees (not crib) during winter. She is missing phosphorus, so it allows her to get whats needed and I don't have to worry about her missing anything. Plus the fact that I don't look like I have an overgrown beaver in my pasture helps! __________________ Breaking,Training,Raising Quality bred QH's Home of Blue Roan Stallion "Blue Woody Hancock" AQHA, NFQHA 96.63% Foundation www.wfquarterhorses.com "With God, there is 2 in the saddle. You will never ride alone again!"

09-03-2008, 06:38 AM
PeggySue Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dennison, Illinois Posts: 525	The block do limited good for horses BECAUSE horses have a smooth tonuge that makes it hard for them to get what they need out of the blocks although I do still put them out for the horses something to lick on besides ME!! I perfer loose minerals in a bucket ... replace your bracket with a bucket holder and I just fill mine as needed... I do this with loose salt as well.. I get LITTLE buckets and put a couple cups of minerals in them at a time when it is empty I refill.. works great The funny thing about he loose minerals is that sometimes one color will be left at bottom of bucket and ssometimes a different color ... does that make sense??

09-03-2008, 06:59 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 9,984	I use the Himalayan blocks, my horses LOVE them, that is the only downside, they are expensive ($15) and each horse goes through about one a month. My horses also get Equalizer in with their feed, just to supplement them. __________________

09-03-2008, 05:44 PM
Wendy F Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 951	[quote=PeggySue;1372624]The block do limited good for horses BECAUSE horses have a smooth tonuge that makes it hard for them to get what they need out of the blocks although I do still put them out for the horses something to lick on besides ME!! I think this must depend on the type of mineral you are feeding. The Grostrong block is already crumbling when you open it. It is not hard. (Hard to explain unless you have used it.) I put it in a feeder for cows that is covered and off the ground. They can break this. It was actually recommended to me for the mare I spoke of previous, by a nutritionist. It sure fixed her beaverism! __________________ Breaking,Training,Raising Quality bred QH's Home of Blue Roan Stallion "Blue Woody Hancock" AQHA, NFQHA 96.63% Foundation www.wfquarterhorses.com "With God, there is 2 in the saddle. You will never ride alone again!"

09-03-2008, 05:51 PM
Wendy F Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 951	If you are already feeding a feed with minerals and giving source then you should be okay. If your horse's coat is shiny and it is "not broke", I personally would not fix it. What is the name of the red block? If it is a basic red small horse mineral block about $5.00. It probably is only a trace mineral block. You really don't have to give salt and that block. Look at the label. If is is normally a lot more pricewise, it is probably a good mineral. __________________ Breaking,Training,Raising Quality bred QH's Home of Blue Roan Stallion "Blue Woody Hancock" AQHA, NFQHA 96.63% Foundation www.wfquarterhorses.com "With God, there is 2 in the saddle. You will never ride alone again!"

09-03-2008, 08:26 PM
PeggySue Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dennison, Illinois Posts: 525	there are horse blocks that crumble but most people can't get them I know if I want them I have to special order them

09-05-2008, 09:19 AM
PepperPony Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TN Posts: 269	My horse has access to both a block and loose minerals. The block is outside and she can get to it any time and the loose is in her stall. I don't ever see her licking the block but every once in awhile she'll come out from eating in her stall with red lips One of the other horses is always licking the salt block but he likes it better when i give him loose stuff- I think he can get more with less effort. I guess it just depends on what you and your horses like.