Are protein tubs good for cattle?

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/

People 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.

But like with every supplement there are pros and cons to consider when using a protein tub. As a producer you should weigh each option to decide if it will work best for you.

What is a protein tub?

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 mixture can be added different minerals and vitamins that the cattle will be needing. It comes in a compressed block that will be either packaged in a cardboard box or in a plastic tub.

Though there can be different types of ingredients used in a protein tub they can usually be divided into 3 categories:

Pressed blocks These are made by blending the ingredients together and conditioning them with steam Mix is then compressed under 2,000-3,000psi Can be found in 33 to 250lb blocks as well as a 50lb mineral block Depending on the hardness can have an average daily intake of 1-4lbs per head per day

Chemically hardened blocks These are made by combining liquid and dry ingredients into a slurry The slurry is then poured into a cardboard box or a plastic tub 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 Normal consumption will average between 1 to 3lbs per head per day

Low moisture (cooked) blocks and tubs 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 0.5lbs to 1.5lbs per head per day



If you would like to learn more about these specific groups then you can check out the article by Texas AgriLife Extension “Block and Tub Supplements for Grazing Beef Cattle”.

Pros

There are a few reasons that protein tubs have become popular:

They are more convenient You can just place the tub in a certain area then “forget” about it

They require little labor Depending on the size of the tub 1 person can put them out

Consumption of the tubs are self-limiting The combination of the ingredients and the licking motion that cattle have to use to consume it will regulate a more consistent consumption and can help prevent over eating

Can use them to improve pasture utilization Once the cattle get use to having the tub you can move it around to get them to graze in other parts of the pasture that they would normally ignore If you would like to read more about how to do that then check out my previous article “Better Grazing with Supplements”



Cons

Since there are pros that means there will also be cons to using a protein tub:

As the label will tell you it is meant as a supplement not as a feed A protein tub is only meant to used when the forages mature and the CP of the forage declines If there is not an adequate amount of forage around the cattle will not be able to consume enough to meet all of their nutritional needs

Depending on which size you get it can be hard to unload and move As I mentioned earlier the tubs and blocks can range from 33lbs to 250lbs Going with the larger size it will mean that you have to have some equipment like a tractor to be able to move it around

They can vary on what ingredients are present What type of block that you get can determine what ingredients will be in it So it is a good idea to read the labels and understand what is in it before you buy it

Pressed and chemically hardened blocks can deteriorate over time The presence of moisture like in high humidity areas, can break down the block



Effective strategies for protein tubs

In order to be the most effective you should put the protein tub out as soon as you think there may be a protein deficiency with your forages. This usually will occur during the late summer months as forages reach their mature stage till the end of winter.

If you have never used a protein tub before it is best to place them near a water source or loafing area since that is where cattle naturally gather. As they get use to it then you can move it to other areas of the pasture.

Due to some cows being more aggressive than others it is possible that not all of the cows will get a chance to get all of the nutrients from the tub that they will need. If this is the case then you will need to space to blocks further apart to prevent the aggressive cows from pushing the more timid ones away.

Since animals like to gather near supplements move them to other areas of the pasture. This will prevent overgrazing in that one area and promote better forage utilization in the other parts.

Do not place the tubs near any surface water such as ponds, streams and rivers. Cattle like to play with the tubs by rolling them around and you would not want to knock it into one of those and see it float away.

If you would like to learn more about how to make your ranch more profitable and efficient then check out my e-book “Nuts and Bolts of Successful Ranching”