Non-conventional indigenous mineral supplements used for cattle feeding in the pastoral rangelands of Ethiopia.

Salt licks, soil licks and well waters from various parts of Ethiopia used by pastoral nomads for cattle feeding were sampled and assessed for composition and quality. Most of the licks were alkaline and had low solubility both in water and acid. All the salt licks and some of the soil licks contained a considerable amount of sodium and these could constitute a reasonable and cheap source of the element. Except for iron which had a concentration in most of the supplements much in excess of requirements the rest of the essential elements assayed occurred in the licks in quantities too small to satisfy estimated requirements of cattle. This particularly applied to phosphorus and copper which are below critical ranges in the pastures of the region. The excessive amount of Fe could have an antagonistic effect on P and Cu. The well waters contained elements in safe limits but water from Medecho contained total soluble salts exceeding safe limits. Except as sources of Na the licks especially soil licks can be considered unsatisfactory sources of other essential minerals. The widespread use of soil licks in the region should be discouraged until thorough assessment has been done since these licks may have deleterious direct and indirect effects on performance of cattle.