Supplementary Conventional Mineral Licks and the Productivity of Ruminant Animals in Tropical Africa: A Review

Kubkomawa, H. I, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal Polytechnic, Pmb 35, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria,  International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS) Volume 3, Issue 9, 2017, PP 45-57 ISSN No. (Online) 2454–6224,  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-6224.0309007,  www.arcjournals.org

The objective of the paper was to review the use of supplementary conventional mineral licks in improving the productivity of ruminant animals in tropical Africa. Conventional mineral licks have been extensively used by livestock farmers for years in many developing and developed countries especially, mixtures of liquid molasses and urea, which provides fermentable nitrogen and are good sources of minerals. However, small scale farmers have rarely benefitted from these supplements, usually because of difficulties of handling these in small quantities. Molasses in the liquid form is difficult to transport (requiring expensive tanker trucks), to store (requiring tanks), to handle (as it is highly viscous) and to distribute to animals (as troughs or other receptacles are needed).Minerals are needed for the proper development and maintenance of bones, muscles, circulatory systems and even the nervous systems. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, but it’s also an ideal carrier for a variety of essential trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. Sodium helps in controlling the blood’s pH levels, and chloride helps in digestion and keeps the blood acid levels balanced. Proper use of conventional mineral licks in the diets of ruminant animals in tropical Africa would improve animal health and productivity.

Keywords: Conventional mineral licks, Ruminant Diets, Tropical Africa