How much Salt should you add in your animal feed mixture?

Salt is cheapest and major source of two minerals that are important in animal's diet which are the Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl). The sea salts and rock salts are the source of commercial salts consumed by human and animals. Sea salts can be made by evaporating water to retained salt contents of Seawater. It can be done through mechanic evaporation or through Solar evaporation. 1 litter of Seawater contains approximately 200 grams of salt. For animal used it is recommended to choose rock salt because of its hygienical standard than sea salt.

Table of Contents

I. Sodium and Chlorine to Animal's Diet

II. Salt intoxication

III. How much Salt should you add in animal feed mixture?

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Sodium and Chlorine to Animal's Diet

Sodium and Chlorine are major animal's electrolytes; stimulant's animals appetite; sodium helps to have good brain functionality; and while Chlorine regulates the acid-level of stomach. There are so many more important roles of these two minerals in animal's diet, the reason why salt is essential in every feed formulation.

Salt intoxication

It is important to add salts at the right amount, over concentration of these minerals can give severe effects to Animal's health, especially to birds. Salt Intoxication to birds is more prominent than ruminants. Make sure to have water or feed raw materials analysis before adding to feed mixture or giving to your animals directly. Adjust your salt percentile base on the level of salt in feed raw materials used. Just to ensure they will be given the right amount of salt minerals in their diet.

"An animal that ingests excess sodium chloride, especially when water is limited, can develop salt toxicosis. Clinical signs vary between species and between acute and chronic exposures, but may include depression, weakness, ataxia, muscle tremors, gastroenteritis, and seizure-like activity." - MSD Veterinary Manual

How much Salt should you add in animal feed mixture?

If you're practicing self feed formulation for your farm animals consider the vital amount of salt in your feed mixture. Salt at 0.5% per mixture of feed are safe to add ensuring that exact amount of Sodium and Chlorine provided to Animal's diet. It will depends also on your raw materials used for feed mixture; fish meal, meat meal, and bone meal should be tested or analize  for Sodium and Chlorine level to ensure that you will not over dose salt in its required level.

For Livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goats, etc.):

Cattle: Typically, 0.5% to 1% salt (by weight) is added to the total feed ration. For example, if you have 100 kg of feed, add 0.5 to 1 kg of salt.

Sheep and Goats: Similar to cattle, around 0.5% to 1% salt is common.

Free-choice salt: Many farmers provide a salt block or loose salt in a separate feeder so animals can self-regulate their intake.

For Poultry (Chickens, Turkeys, etc.):

Chickens: Add 0.25% to 0.5% salt to the feed. For example, for 100 kg of feed, add 250 to 500 grams of salt.

Turkeys: Similar to chickens, around 0.25% to 0.5% salt is typical.

For Swine:

Pigs: Add 0.25% to 0.5% salt to the feed. For example, for 100 kg of feed, add 250 to 500 grams of salt.

For Horses:

Horses: Salt is often provided free-choice via a salt block or loose salt. If adding to feed, 0.5% to 1% is common.

Check Feed Labels: Some commercial feeds already contain added salt, so adjust accordingly.

Water Availability: Ensure animals have access to clean, fresh water at all times, as salt intake increases thirst.

Consult a Nutritionist: For precise formulations, consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist, especially if you're formulating your own feed.

Always tailor the salt content to the specific needs of your animals and their diet.