Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People who use them like the convenience of having a supplement designed to be self-fed in the pasture. They can deliver supplemented nutrients that do not require extra labor.
In an ideal world, cattle would get all their nutrition from the forages and/or the concentrated feeds they are given. But unfortunately, as you are aware, we do not live in an ideal world. The quality of the forages can vary significantly 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.
What are protein tubs?
Before we get into why you should be using tubs, we should first go over what a protein tub is. I know this may not be necessary for most of you, but please bear with me.
As the name implies, protein tubs are a mixture of different ingredients to provide a protein supplement that is usually mixed with molasses. Included in the molasses mixture, various minerals, and vitamins can be added. Once all the mixing is done, it comes in a compressed block that will be packaged in a cardboard box or a plastic tub.
Though there can be different types of ingredients used in a protein tub, they can be divided into three categories:
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 50lbs mineral block.
- Depending on the hardness can have an average daily intake of 1-4lbs per head per day.
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 are 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.
- 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.
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.”
Why should I use protein tubs?
Now that we have gone over what types of protein tubs are out there let’s go over why you should be using one.
Reason #1: They deliver balanced nutrition in small quantities of product
As I 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 are receiving something that is consumed on time.
Reason #2: They allow cattle to self-moderate consumption
Good tubs will have a limiter built into them in order to prevent overconsumption. The limiter is usually done with the molasses base tubs because the sweet flavor can be irresistible. Generally, most animals only eat what their bodies require to sustain a proper energy balance. Protein tubs allow your animals to regulate what they consume when needed. The built-in regulation removes the guesswork from top-dressing and mixing supplements into rations.
Reason #3: Weather-resistant formulas ensure product quality
A good tub will not be affected by rain, snow, wind, or sun. 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 allows individuals to choose based on their 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.
Reason #5: They’re economical and easy to store
Because tubs have a long shelf life along with taking up relatively little space, they can be an economical way to supplement cattle. Often, a producer can save money by ordering a more significant amount of tubs and storing them until they are needed. Ordering a considerable amount also allows for rotating them throughout the year. Rotating tubs is helpful if your nutrient requirements change, as always happens. An example would be using high-energy tubs for colder months and more mineral-dense ones for hotter ones.
How to use them properly
Now that you have decided to use protein tubs, it is time to discuss how to use them in the pasture. In order to be most effective, you should put them out as soon as you think there may be a protein deficiency in your forages. A protein deficiency generally happens during the late summer months as forages reach their mature stages till the end of winter.
If you have never used protein tubs before, placing them near a water source or loafing area is best. You will want to do this because cattle naturally gather in these areas. As they get used to them, you can move them to other pasture areas. I go over the strategy of using protein tubs to utilize under-grazed areas in a previous article, “Better grazing with supplements.”
