Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People that use them like the convenience of having a supplement that is designed to be self-fed in the pasture. They can deliver supplemented nutrients that does not require extra labor.
In an ideal world cattle would get all of their nutrition from the forages and/or the concentrated feeds that they are given. But unfortunately as you are aware we do not live in an ideal world. The quality of the forages can vary in large degree from year to year. Another factor is that each animal will have different nutritional needs throughout the year.
With the difference between nutritional needs and forage quality there is a need to “fill in the gaps”. As you have guessed this is where protein tubs come in.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Protein tubs have been gaining in popularity here lately with both small and large producers. Smaller producers like the fact it is self-feeding so they do not have to constantly be there. Larger producers like the fact that it requires less labor than say feeding range cubes/
With the many choices of feed available it can be confusing to choose which type to use. Making this decision between protein or energy supplements is key in developing an effective cattle supplement program. Also understanding the different types of feed and nutrient requirements will ensure your cattle will perform optimally.
