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Jan-Jaap Verweij (Jacob’s Farm) on KNZ licks

Dutch dairy farmer Jan-Jaap Verweij has 55 dairy cows that are milked with the help of a milking robot. He says, "A lick is a nice addition for animals that need it."

The ideal amount

Jan-Jaap previously experimented with salt/vitamin boluses but soon realized it was not necessary. "It may have even been too much." The concentrate feed that the cows receive contains minerals and vitamins. "We offer licks to the cows that have extra needs. With licks, you don't have to worry about them getting too much. Additionally, putting out a lick is much easier than administering boluses."

First needs after milking

Jan-Jaap strategically placed the licks at the exit of the milking robot, next to the water trough. "After milking, cows first need enough water and can then take a few licks of the salt block. They have a need for it," Jan-Jaap observes. The cows use one block for about 5-6 days. In winter, this often goes even faster at Jacob's Farm.

"You don't have to worry about them getting too much with KNZ licks."

Always provided with salt

Jan-Jaap temporarily didn't offer licks and noticed that the cows still had a need for it. After the licks were put back, the cows used them at a rapid pace. To prevent the cows from running out, Jan-Jaap now always puts two licks in the barn.

Jan-Jaap believes it's important for his cows to feel good and to receive the minerals and vitamins they need in a natural way. Licks are a nice way to contribute to this. "Besides, it's still a beautiful sight to see a cow indulge in a lick."

Eric Pottier on KNZ salt licks for sheep

Eric Pottier runs a biological grassland farm, together with his family. On 83 hectares they raise 40 dairies and 200 suckling ewes. Eric chose for the KNZ salt licks for complementation, as these licks are most resistant and durable under all conditions. Eric finds it important to work with licks enriched with selenium, especially for sheep during late gestation and lactation.

Paula Koomen on KNZ salt licks

In the North Holland village of Spierdijk, Paula and Kees Koomen run their dairy farm with 125 dairy cows and a total of 200 cattle. "We have been milking the cows with a milking robot for a year now and it's going very well," says Paula. "We choose the right diet by looking closely at the health of our cows; we do it by feel. Fresh grass, silage, maize and concentrated feed along with salt and minerals form a balanced diet."

Salt from mixer trucks or salt licks?

On the mts farm. The Koomens are convinced that adding salt through the feed mixer truck does not meet the individual needs of the cows. "We think that adding salt using the mixer truck does not meet the individual needs of our cows. We would rather have salt available to the cows that need it through the licks."

"Meeting the individual salt needs of our cows"

Easy to use

"We use KNZ salt licks with the feed because we find that the most convenient system, allowing the cows that need it to get their salt." The salt needs of cows are determined by their weight, their lactation phase and the ambient temperature. The cows perspire more in hot weather and therefore need more salt. Paula explains more about this: "We use the salt licks all year round, but in the summer months when it is very hot, we put extra licks near the cows so that they can get enough salt." Paula is also very satisfied with the quality of KNZ salt licks: "They stay quite hard, they don't fall apart, we put them in front of the feed fence and the cow does the rest."

Anne Harmsen on KNZ salt licks

Anne Harmsen of mts. Harmsen from Apeldoorn runs, together with his wife and brother, the dairy farm with 80 dairy cattle and their young cattle. When the season is right, the cows just roam the fields and in the evenings they go to the stable, where they receive their standard ration of maize, grass, concentrate, minerals and salts.

Free acces to salt and minerals

They have been using KNZ's licks on the farm from early on. The salt licks are hung in the pasture and close to the automatic feeder using the specially designed holders, giving the cows full access to salt and minerals.

"Always exactly the right amount of salt and mineral"

An essential part of their diet

Did you know that salt and minerals are an essential part of a dairy cow's diet? Dairy cows lose a relatively large amount of salt through milk production. This can quickly lead to deficiencies. Cows with a salt deficiency lose their appetite, grow less and can even lose weight. These cows are less healthy and the salt and mineral deficiency also reduces productivity.

Prevent salt deficiency

Cows with a salt deficiency actively look for salt and minerals in their surroundings. You can recognize these cows by their need to lick and nibble on different materials in the stable, such as wood, steel, the ground, etc. Cows will sometimes also lick each other. "I never worry about salt and mineral deficiencies in my cows," says Harmsen. "My cows always consume exactly the right amount of salt and minerals thanks to KNZ salt licks.

Eric Pottier on KNZ salt licks for cows

Eric Pottier runs a biological grassland farm, together with his family. They took over this farm 7-8 years ago. During the year, they pay extra attention to the supply of salt with the KNZ salt licks, as this is essential. Eric and his family choose KNZ salt licks because of the palatability and the fact that the licks stands well outside and do not disintegrate easily with the climate. Eric noticed a good regulation with the consumption of licks which is variable according to the season, the year and the plot. 

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