02319nam a2200241 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000180006024501520007826002200023052014320045065000190188265000100190165000230191165000180193465000200195265000180197265000120199065000220200265000100202465300270203465300160206121526422024-03-18       2009    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aBEN SALEM, H.  aSupplementation with feed blocks improves ruminant performances and alleviates feeding cost in different production systems.h[electronic resource]  aIn: SIMPÓSIO INTERNACIONAL SOBRE CAPRINOS E OVINOS DE CORTE, 4.; FEIRA NACIONAL DO AGRONEGÓCIO DA CAPRINO-OVINOCULTURA DE CORTE, 3., 2009, João Pessoa. Anais... João Pessoa: EMEPA-PB, 2009. 1 CD-ROM. 10 f.c2009  aAbstract: The main reason for the low animal production in many countries is the inadequate supply and low level of feed due to serious shortage of feedstuffs and the low farmers? income. Therefore, a major gap exists between the requirements and supplies of nutrients for small ruminants in the target area. There is a justification for building up feed resources. Crop residues such as cereal straws and agro industrial by-products like olive cake, tomato pulp, and molasses are available in high quantities in many countries. But, they are inadequate to meet the nutrient requirements of animals. Many factors may account for their limited use among which are their low nutritive value and the difficulty in handling and using them for extended periods. Improving the nutritive value of these alternative feed sources will help to overcome this situation. Feed blocks could be a cost-effective solution to alleviate feeding cost through reduced use of expensive concentrate feeds like barley and corn grains. They are a catalytic supplement which is easy to make, to transport, to store for long periods and to use in livestock feeding. This paper updates knowledge on feed blocks technology and highlights its importance in livestock feeding. Appropriate formulation and adequate integration in feeding calendars of stall-fed and grazing ruminants are the main criteria needed to optimise the benefits from this technology.  aAnimal feeders  aGoats  aRuminant nutrition  aSheep feeding  aSmall ruminants  aAlimentação  aCaprino  aNutrição Animal  aOvino  aAlternative supplement  aFeed blocks