By Findlay Pate
UF/IFAS, Range Cattle REC
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An essential need for sodium and chlorine by cattle has been demonstrated for thousands of years by a natural craving for common salt. These two mineral elements function as electrolytes in body fluids and are specifically involved at the cellular level in water metabolism, nutrient uptake, and transmission of nerve impulses. The initial sign of sodium and chlorine deficiency is a craving for salt, demonstrated by the avid licking of wood, soil, and sweat from other animals. A prolonged deficiency causes loss of appetite, decreased growth, unthrifty appearance, reduced milk production, and loss of weight.
Maybe here in the south the need for salt is greater than in the northern area's that don't have as high heat and humidity in the summer time???? The artical that I got this from was about Florida cattle.