Research

Effectiveness of strategic low-moisture block and salt placement to lure cattle to graze under-utilized rangeland.

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A recent study involving GPS tracking of cattle movement showed that CRYSTALYX® has two distinct advantages over salt, especially in areas that are drought-affected and have low-quality forage. The study evaluated the effect of strategic low-moisture block placement on the grazing patterns of individual cows and compared the effectiveness of strategic low-moisture block and salt placement to lure cattle to graze under-utilized rangeland.

CRYSTALYX® Moves Cows Away From Water to Grass.
Previous research has shown that cattle grazing distribution patterns can be modified by strategic placement of low-moisture block supplements. Strategic placement of CRYSTALYX® barrels helps lure and keep cattle in grazing areas. The study found that cows spent more time at higher elevations and farther from water when low-moisture blocks and salt were available than when only salt was available.

CRYSTALYX® Helps Cows Better Utilize Existing Forage.
Cows in this study spent more time within 600 yards of the supplement and were more active when CRYSTALYX® barrels were present. Differences occurred during both the night and day periods. Overall, cows were active (grazing) 66 minutes longer when low-moisture blocks were available than when only salt was available.

CRYSTALYX® Effects Fall and Winter Resting and Grazing Behavior.
In addition to verifying that CRYSTALYX® is effective in attracting cattle to graze high and rugged rangeland, there was also insight into how the supplement modified cow behavior in the fall and winter. The supplement sites served as a resting and loafing site location. Much of the consumption of low-moisture blocks occured at night when cows would otherwise be resting. Cows bedded and rested near the locations where the CRYSTALYX® was located.