Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the manufacture of a solid animal feed supplement employing an in-situ reaction between a hydratable metal oxide such as calcium oxide and a water soluble phosphate, such as phosphoric acid to solidify the product. The method comprises the addition of the metal oxide to a concentrated dispersion of a water soluble sugar such as molasses, whey and the like, to hydrate the metal oxide. After sufficient hydration has occurred to provide the desired quantity of reactant metal ions in soluble form, a condition which can be detected by monitoring the pH, temperature, or time following addition of the metal oxide, the soluble phosphate is added to cause solidification of the resultant mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal feed supplement in solid, block form which is sufficiently palatable to permit its free choice feeding and which contains the proper proportions of molasses and/or fat to supply the energy requirements for maintenance and weight gain of the animals. The feed supplement blocks intended for consumption by ruminants also contain a high level of protein derived from nonprotein nitrogen as well as natural protein to function as a supplementary protein source. The feed supplement includes molasses in a major proportion, and solidifying ingredients comprising a phosphate and an oxide or salt of a metal such as aluminum magnesium or calcium, in quantities sufficient to solidify the supplement into solid, block form. The preferred metal ingredient is calcium as the oxide and/or sulfate. The composition can also contain an edible fat or oil and a fat emulsifying agent in sufficient quantity to prevent separation of the fat from the product.