Right now I am using a mineral in a steel lick barrel plus salt and trace blocks. At other times of the year may switch to energy/protein barrel.

I think you hit it on the head - with loose some cattle really like the loose material and others wouldn't get anything. It would probably be gone quickly. I hadn't thought of that. With the lick barrels they all seem to get a shot at it over time. It is not something I can tend every day so the barrels, while expensive do seem to work.   

Thank you.

Jim at Dawn