Salt is lost through urine, faeces, sweat and saliva.
Animals have a strong appetite for salt but individual salt needs will vary. Factors influencing needs include:
- Sodium and chloride levels in the pasture
- Sodium and chloride levels in the water
- The production cycle – growth, reproduction and lactation will increase requirements
- Temperature/humidity – sweating will increase sodium requirements
- Potassium levels in the diet – animals will try to balance high potassium feeds with additional salt to maintain fluid balance
- Low sodium levels in feed
Supplement levels
1 level tablespoon > 20g = 8g sodium and 12g chloride
1 heaped tablespoon > 30g = 12g sodium and 18g chloride