Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People who use them appreciate the convenience of having a supplement designed to be self-fed in the pasture. This not only provides balanced nutrition but also eliminates the need for extra labor, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of cattle management.
In an ideal world, cattle would get all their nutrition from the forages and/or concentrated feeds they are given. 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, and 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 discuss why you should use tubs, we should first define a protein tub. 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, usually mixed with molasses, to provide a protein supplement. Various minerals and vitamins can also be added to the molasses mixture. Once all the mixing is done, the product 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 50-lb mineral block.
- Depending on the hardness, it can have an average daily intake of 1-4 lbs per head.
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 should I use protein tubs?
Now that we have reviewed the types of protein tubs available let’s discuss why you should use one.
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 in order to prevent overconsumption. This limiter is usually a special ingredient added to the molasses base of the tubs. 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. By ordering a more significant amount of tubs and storing them until they are needed, you can save money. 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, 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. Signs of a protein deficiency in forages include slow growth, poor body condition, and reduced milk production in lactating cows. 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. You can move them to other pasture areas as they get used to them. I go over the strategy of using protein tubs to utilize under-grazed regions in a previous article, “Better grazing with supplements.”
