A salt lick is the simplest and most practical way to ensure your livestock meet their salt requirements — on their own terms, whenever they need it.
Quick summary:
- All livestock self-regulate their salt intake when they have free access to a salt lick
- Salt licks containing copper are suitable for cattle, horses and goats — but are harmful to sheep
- Salt licks should be available both at pasture and indoors, all year round
- It is not permitted to use copper-containing salt licks for sheep — always use a low-copper salt lick for sheep
Salt licks for different animals
Different animals have different requirements for quantity and mineral content, and what suits sheep doesn't necessarily suit cattle, horses and goats. Here's an overview:
Sheep need copper-free salt licks
Sheep cannot tolerate copper and can become seriously ill from excessive intake. Always use copper-free salt licks for sheep, including in mixed herds where sheep and cattle graze together.
Cattle and goats have a higher copper requirement and tolerate copper salt licks well. Copper supports immune function and fertility, and deficiency is relatively common in Norwegian grazing operations.
Horses self-regulate their intake
Horses tend to consume more salt during periods of heavy sweating and physical activity. Copper salt licks are a good fit and can be hung in a stable or placed in a paddock or loose housing.
Pasture or indoor feeding — salt licks should always be available
The need for salt is not purely seasonal — animals don't only need it in summer. Livestock should also have access to a salt lick indoors during winter. Dry fodder, high fibre content and limited fresh grass can actually increase the need for salt.
A few practical tips for placement:
- Protect the lick from direct rainfall and moisture
- Avoid placing it in high-traffic passageways
- Provide one lick per group of animals, not just one for the whole herd
- Check regularly that the lick hasn't been used up
Is it permitted to put out salt licks?
Placing salt licks for animals is permitted, but it is not allowed to use copper-containing salt licks for sheep. This is not a general ban on salt licks, but a specific requirement tied to the species' low copper tolerance. Using a copper salt lick with sheep is a breach of the regulations for responsible animal husbandry.
"We find that many people aren't aware of the copper issue until they've had sheep and cattle grazing together. It's an easy mistake to avoid, but the consequences can be serious. Always check the ingredient list on the lick before you put it out," says Thomas Davidsen at Saltimport.
If you choose a copper-free salt lick, you're always on safe ground. Below you'll find an overview of the recommended salt lick for each type of animal.
Choose the right salt lick for your animals
Looking for more products? Here you'll find feed salt for agriculture or sodium bicarbonate for animal feed and fertiliser production.
Not sure which salt lick you need? Need help choosing the right salt lick? Our salt experts are happy to help. Get in touch and we'll find the best option for your animals.
