Range Blocks and Dental Problems

[ABrauny]

I read somewhere maybe a University of Missouri Extension publication, that using range blocks as opposed to a loose mineral supplement can wear out a cow's teeth prematurely and thus decrease an older cow's feed efficiency and increase total costs. Can anyone verify this or provide a counter argument? Thanks for your help!

 

[dun]

Could this be it:
http://beefmagazine.com/mag/beef_protein_blocks/

 

[TexasBred]

If you're talking about the "pressed blocks" they are not that hard. A cow so old she can't eat something that soft should be sold. Those blocks are usually not even as hard as range cubes.

 

[JSCATTLE]

I've heard of them breaking teeth on salt blocks ..

 

[TexasBred]

I've heard of them breaking teeth on salt blocks ..

Always prossible but protein blocks are basically the same as a pelleted feed with much more molasses included to hold them together. A majority of cattle can eat this easily but I cn see an old smooth mouth cow having a probelm "gumming" them. :???:

 

[xxbrand]

I don't know that blocks wear out the teeth, because some just lick instead of chewing. If you are concerned give old cows softer loose minerals only.