Livestock producers have continuously been searching for different ways to reduce costs when feeding their livestock for optimum production while maximizing economic returns. Delivery of supplemental nutrition has been an area, especially under non-confined grazing conditions, where the feed industry has developed different methods/packages/products and programs that assist producers reach their nutrition and financial goals. Self-fed supplements are often measured by several of the following criteria; nutritional effectiveness, predictable consumption, flexibility in nutrient delivery (both nutrient composition and amounts), concentration of nutrient delivery, labor and(or) equipment required to dispense supplement, packaging, storage needs, ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, durability from livestock wear & tear, elimination of wasted product, uniform consumption across the herd or flock, and ultimately, cost effectiveness. Mechanically pressed blocks, poured or chemical blocks, and low-moisture or cooked blocks, have addressed many of these items in part. However, each supplement form will have some limitations to fully meet all expectations by livestock producers, given the broad diversity of production conditions, availability of labor, and economic forces across the United States, North America, and Internationally. Although liquid supplements are not included in the topic of this paper, this form of supplementation will also be incorporated in the discussion,as many types of blocks begin with liquid ingredients in the process of their manufacturing.
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