Protein supplements are often needed during the fall and winter months. This need is because, during this time, most of your tame pasture forages go into dormancy. When this happens, things like their protein content will go down.
Maintaining an adequate protein level in the diet is vital for your cattle. It is needed to keep the optimal function of rumen microbes. These microbes are what break down the complex carbohydrates that are found in dry forage. With this optimal protein level, the rumen can adequately digest poor-quality forages.
When it comes to developing a cost-effective supplement program, there are two things to identify. The first is to identify the nutrients or nutrients that are limited. The next thing to know is how to provide that supplementation at the lowest cost possible. There are many options that you can go with when it comes to supplements, including using protein tubs for your animals.
Why do you need to supplement with protein tubs?
As forage quality decreases, like with maturation or even drought, the level of protein provided also falls. Most of the protein found in the plant is associated with photosynthesis. Once the plant matures and is no longer photosynthesizing, it will turn brown because it no longer has chlorophyll. At this stage, the plant’s protein level will be at its lowest.
The amount of protein required will depend on that animal’s age and stage of production. For example, a mature, dry cow can most likely get by on a diet that is only 7-9% crude protein. The cow’s rumen microbes can still utilize the amino acids and proteins inside the plants. For younger or lactating animals, you will need more energy and protein, especially the protein, to supply the microbes.
Suppose your forages are under 7% crude protein, which is likely with the current drought conditions. In that case, you likely will need more to supplement the animal. Adding a protein tub is one way that a producer can supplement their herd during this time.
Frequency of supplementation
The amount of time you have to feed supplements should be considered when developing any plan. The amount of time that you spend feeding can affect animal response. Feeding smaller amounts of protein more frequently will decrease the potential for negative impacts on forage intake. Providing a high-protein supplement once a week will have the same effect.
Supplements containing 30-40% protein can be delivered less frequently than every day. This lower frequency will mean less labor is needed than feeding every day. An idea to reduce labor and delivery costs when providing high-protein supplements is to feed twice a week. You can target 1 lbs per head per day intake by feeding 3.5 lbs twice a week.
Why should I use protein tubs?
Consumption rates for tubs range from 1/2lb to 2 lbs per day. Based on the brand and formulation, the amount consumed will vary. This consumption rate makes them an economical choice for the smallest producer up to the largest cow-calf operation. It is possible to provide your cattle with multiple tub sizes so that they will consume the feed quickly.
Good tubs will have a limiter built into them in order to prevent overconsumption. Generally, most animals will only eat what their bodies require to sustain a proper energy balance. Protein tubs allow your animals to regulate what they consume when they need it. This self-regulation removes the guesswork from top-dressing and mixing supplements into rations.
Individuals can choose protein tubs based on their specific needs or the types of animals they wish to feed. For example, cattle grazing on lower-quality pastures may need extra protein. While nursing, cows often need a boost in calcium and fat.
Because tubs have a long shelf life along with taking up relatively little space, they can be an economical way to supplement cattle. It is often possible to save money by ordering a larger amount of tubs and storing them until needed. Storing them also allows for rotating them throughout the year. Rotating is helpful if your nutrient requirements change, as always happens. An example of this would be using high-energy tubs for colder months and more mineral-dense ones for the hotter months.
Types of tubs available
Pressed blocks
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- These are made by blending the ingredients together and conditioning them with steam.
- The mix is then compressed under 2,000-3,000psi
- It can be found in 33 to 250-lb blocks as well as a 50-lb mineral block.
- Depending on the hardness, it can have an average daily intake of 1-4 lbs per head daily.
Chemically hardened blocks
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- These tubs are made by combining liquid and dry ingredients into a slurry.
- The slurry is then poured into a cardboard box or a plastic tub and then allowed to cure
- A chemical reaction between water and metal oxides (usually calcium oxide or magnesium oxide) is what causes it to harden.
- The hardness can be altered by changing the concentration of the metal oxides.
- Typical consumption will average between 1 to 3 lbs per head per day.
Low moisture (cooked) blocks and tubs
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- This process is the most expensive to make
- Liquid ingredients are heated to 240-280 degrees F.
- After that, it undergoes a vacuum process to remove moisture.
- The next step is mixing it with dry ingredients and pouring it into a container (like a plastic tub).
- Average daily intake can vary from 0.5- 1.5 lbs per head per day.
If you are interested in learning more about these specific groups, then you can check out an article by Texas AgriLife Extension, “Block and Tub Supplements for Grazing Beef Cattle”.
How to use tubs properly
Now that you have decided to use a protein tub, it is now time to discuss how best to use them. First off, you should determine just how many you will need. Typically, you will feed at a rate of one tub per 15-30 head of cattle. If you are using multiple tubs, place them at least 10 feet apart to prevent crowding.
Next, place them near areas where cows frequent. These will be areas near water troughs or where they like to lounge around. The cattle will find it and consume it if it is close to where they are.
Lastly, monitor intake to ensure proper consumption. You can move the tub either closer or farther away to adjust consumption. Once the cattle start going to it regularly, then you can move it to encourage grazing in more underutilized areas. I go into more detail about this kind of thing in a previous post, “Better grazing with supplements”.
