When the veld is dry and the nutritional value of grazing drops, ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats face a major challenge: A protein deficiency. That’s when a protein lick becomes more than just a supplement—it’s an essential tool for maintaining animal health, growth, and productivity.
Why Protein Matters
Ruminants rely on microbes in the rumen to break down fibre. These microbes require nitrogen—mainly from protein sources—to function effectively. When natural grazing lacks protein (as in winter or overgrazed areas), microbial activity slows down, and the animal starts losing weight.
This is where a protein lick comes in: a strategic supplement that stimulates microbial activity, improves fibre digestion, and helps the animal extract more nutrients from poor-quality roughage.
What Should a Good Protein Lick Contain?
A well-balanced protein lick isn’t just about protein—it also includes energy, minerals, and palatability enhancers. Key components include:
- Protein Source: Urea (non-protein nitrogen), cottonseed oilcake, soybean meal, or sunflower oilcake.
- Energy Base: Molasses or maize meal provide readily fermentable carbohydrates that rumen microbes can utilize together with the nitrogen.
- Macro- and Microminerals: Phosphorus, Calcium, Sulphur, and trace elements address common deficiencies in local forage.
- Salt: Acts as a feed intake restrictor and source of electrolytes.
- Binders and Carriers: Calcium carbonate is commonly used in lick blocks as a binder, and bran or meal serve as carriers in loose-form licks.
Effective Use of Protein Licks
- Use as a supplement to the rumen-degradable protein (RDP) of dry grazing (from the first frost until after the first good rains): Protein licks are especially necessary during the dry season when the protein content of the available grass typically drops below 6%. A dry, non-pregnant cow (the animal with the lowest nutritional requirements) has a daily protein requirement of approximately 600g. From the dry veld, she can obtain 400g of her requirement by consuming about 7kg of grass with a protein content of 6%. The remaining 200g of her requirement must be supplemented by a protein lick, which is achievable if she consumes 500g daily of a lick with a crude protein content of 40%. Esceezet’s recommended protein lick also stimulates the cow’s intake of the grazing.
- Adjust Recommended Lick according to the production cycle: Growing, young animals and lactating or pregnant cows have higher protein requirements. During early pregnancy, a cow needs approximately 800g of protein per day, and when she has a calf and must produce milk, her protein requirement increases to as much as 1000g per day. The shortfall that she cannot meet through her daily grass intake therefore becomes increasingly significant. In such cases, it is necessary to switch to an adapted protein lick or a production lick, as the high salt content of our standard recommended protein lick will prevent her from consuming enough to meet her protein needs. The ESCEEZET team can assist you with this.
- Monitor Intake: Excessive intake, especially of urea, can be dangerous. Always provide fresh water and limit access for young animals if necessary.
- Placement of Lick Troughs: Use weather-resistant containers and place them near water sources or resting areas for easy access.
Final Thought
When used correctly, a protein lick is not just a supplement—it’s a key to better rumen function, enhanced feed efficiency, and ultimately healthier, more productive herds. It bridges the gap between what the veld offers and what the animal actually needs.
Next time you see a cow at the lick trough, remember: It is not just a treat—it’s applied science in action.
Mix Your Own Protein Lick and Save!
With ESCEEZET’s Standard Lick Premix (ECZ STD Lick Px), you can now mix your own lick cost-effectively. Use your available raw materials along with a few easily sourced ingredients and one bag of our premix. Save money, make the most of what you have, and add real value to your farming operation.