Now, in a perfect world, cattle would get everything they need from the grass or feed you give them. But let’s be honest—we don’t live in that world. Forage quality can change a lot from season to season, and cattle don’t all need the same nutrients year-round. Growing calves, nursing cows, and even the time of year can shift what their bodies require.
That’s where protein tubs come in. Think of them as a safety net for your herd’s nutrition. They’re designed to help “fill in the gaps” when forage isn’t quite cutting it. Whether the pasture’s a little too mature or the weather has taken a toll on quality, tubs ensure your cattle still get the protein and minerals they need to stay healthy and productive.
Plus, they regulate themselves—good tubs are made so cattle don’t overeat. And with weather-resistant designs, you don’t have to worry about rain or sun ruining your investment.
Bottom line? Protein tubs take some of the guesswork and workload out of feeding while giving your herd the steady nutrition they need. It’s no wonder more producers are making the switch.
So, What Are Protein Tubs?
Before we discuss why protein tubs are worth using, let’s briefly define them. You may already be familiar with them, but a quick refresher never hurts—especially if you’re deciding whether they’re right for your operation.
At their core, protein tubs are exactly what they sound like: a tub full of nutrients, primarily protein, that cattle can lick at their own pace out in the pasture. The ingredients are usually mixed with molasses, adding energy and making the tub palatable. Most tubs also include added vitamins and minerals to help round out your herd’s nutrition.
Once everything is blended, the mixture forms into a solid block—think of it like a super-condensed protein bar for your cattle. Depending on the manufacturer and your needs, that block gets packaged into either a plastic tub or a cardboard container.
Now, while the basic concept is the same, not all protein tubs are created equal. They come in a few different forms depending on how they’re made and what’s in them. Generally speaking, you’ll find three main types:
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.
- These are made by blending the ingredients together and conditioning them with steam.
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.
- Producers can alter the hardness 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.
- Then, it is subjected to a vacuum in order to remove the moisture.
- It is then mixed with dry ingredients and poured into a container (like a plastic tub)
- Average daily intake can vary from 0.5- 1.5 lbs per head per day.
Suppose you are interested in learning more about these specific groups. In that case, you can check out an article by Texas AgriLife Extension, “Block and Tub Supplements for Grazing Beef Cattle.“
Why Use Protein Tubs? 5 Big Reasons
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of protein tubs, let’s talk about why they’re worth using. These tubs aren’t just a convenient feeding option—they’re a smart way to ensure your cattle get the nutrients they need, especially when forage quality drops off. Whether you’re dealing with dry pasture, changing seasons, or just trying to simplify your feeding routine, protein tubs help fill those nutritional gaps without adding more to your workload. They’re designed for self-feeding, so once you set them out, your cattle can regulate their own intake. That means less stress for you and healthier, more productive animals.
Reason #1: They deliver balanced nutrition in small quantities of product
As mentioned above, most tubs are formulated to be consumed at a rate of anywhere from 1/2lb to 2 lbs per day. The amount being consumed will depend on the brand and the formulation. The variation in how much can be consumed makes them an economical choice for the smallest producer up to the largest cow-calf operation. Multiple tub sizes make it possible to ensure that your cattle receive something consumed on time.
Reason #2: They allow cattle to self-moderate consumption
Good tubs will have a limiter built into them to prevent overconsumption. This limiter is usually a special ingredient added to the tub’s molasses base. It works by making the tub less palatable once a certain amount has been consumed. This ensures that animals only eat what their bodies require to sustain a proper energy balance, preventing overeating and wastage. The built-in regulation removes the guesswork from top-dressing and mixing supplements into rations, making it a safe and convenient option for cattle producers.
Reason #3: Weather-resistant formulas ensure product quality
Rain, snow, wind, or sun will not affect a good tub. Not being affected by the weather will ensure that the nutritional integrity of the protein tub will be preserved. Pelleted and granular feeds can be ruined by any of these weather factors, which leads to wasted feed and lost money.
Reason #4: Multiple formulations for different regions and life stages
The variety of protein tubs available ensures that you can cater to your cattle’s specific needs or the groups of animals to be met. For example, cattle grazing on lower-quality pastures may need extra protein. While nursing, cows often need a boost in calcium and fat. This adaptability of protein tubs reassures you that your cattle’s nutritional needs are being met, regardless of the circumstances.
Reason #5: They’re economical and easy to store
Because tubs have a long shelf life and take up relatively little space, they can be an economical way to supplement cattle. You can save money by ordering a larger number of tubs and storing them until they are needed. This confidence in your investment is further enhanced by the ability to rotate tubs throughout the year, adapting to your changing nutrient requirements. For example, you could use high-energy tubs for colder months and more mineral-dense ones for hotter ones.
Getting the Most Out of Your Protein Tubs
So, you’ve decided to give protein tubs a try—great choice! Now, let’s talk about how to get the most out of them in your pasture. Timing is key. You’ll want to set out tubs as soon as you start to suspect your forages aren’t meeting your cattle’s protein needs. Some common signs to watch for include slower weight gain, cows losing body condition, or lower milk production in lactating females. This deficiency usually starts to happen in late summer, when grasses begin to mature and lose nutritional value. It can continue through winter when forage is scarce or dormant.
If you’re new to using tubs, the best place to start is where your cattle naturally gather—like near water tanks, shade trees, or loafing areas. This placement helps them find and get comfortable with the tubs quickly. Once they’ve gotten used to them, you can start moving the tubs to other parts of the pasture. This moving is a handy trick to encourage cattle to graze areas they might otherwise avoid, helping you make better use of your land overall.
Keep in mind that protein tubs aren’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but they’re a great tool when used strategically. For more ideas on how to use them to improve pasture utilization, check out my other article, “Better Grazing with Supplements.“ Whether you’re managing a few heads or a large herd, placing tubs smartly can boost both your cattle’s performance and your pasture efficiency.