Cattle tubs

[littlecowfl]

I had trouble feeding enough protein when we first came to the South because our soil was sandy and low in nutrients. Protein level was at about 5% for hay and mature forage. I opted for protein tubs to supplement. However, I noticed that the molasses based protein tubs were making a few of my cows obese and a few about right and one was still thin. Self service was not working for me, so back to hauling bags of supplemental feed or higher protein hay. Has anyone else noticed adverse results using tubs? The theory is that they don't feed the cow, but feed the rumen microbes so the cow gets more out of her forage. Either way, I had cows that were too fat or too thin without me rationing out their feed.

[otf]

littlecowfl, sorry I can't be of any help with this; I've never tried a tub. Could your extension agent help with this?

Gale

[cddexter]

Hi Alicia, our hay here in the NW is similar: 4-6% protein because of the high rain in the spring, and timing, so most hay gets cut after it flowers and starts to regrow in July. I solved the problem by having a local feed company make up a custom mix: 14% diary ration plus minerals set for local conditions, including extra selenium. This worked because I had so many cows and also sheep. They cut the copper down because I was feeding it to both and too much copper is a sheep killer. You could also try buying loose mineral mix designed for your area and mix it 50/50 with loose salt. Everyone loved it. Wash. State U. prof. told me NOT to use blocks because it's glued so it won't dissolve in the rain and cows would have to lick their tongues off to get the proper supply.

[littlecowfl]

I am feeding a locally prepared feed now, which works well. I was just surprised at the effects of the molasses protein tub. People love using tubs, so I thought they were a good idea. I suppose it depends on many factors. I was just wondering if anyone else saw a similar effect on their herd, or if it worked for them.

There are issues with solid mineral blocks. According to my old Feeds professor at CSU, if they go without minerals and salt for awhile and then are given a block, they will overdue it and make their tongues sore. Then, they avoid the block because it hurts their sore tongue. Best solution is loose mineral/salt protected from the elements.

[dexterlady]

Littlecow, I feed tubs to all mine and I will tell you what happened to my cows.....I have been feeding Crystallix Replacement Heifer and all mine do fairly well on this tub because it is cooked ....When I could not get the "Replacement Heifer" tubs, our mill does not keep the 125lb tubs on hand/ they have the 200lb tubs...Well I can't move those 200lb tubs by myself, so I would have wait until they found some or I would have to buy a whole pallet....All my cows and bulls do very good on this tub, that is why I wanted them.....Well when I couldn't get the smaller size ones , I changed to another brand and this made my animals do like your did ....Some get fat, some thin, some in-between....The Replacement Heifer has all the minerals etc. that they need and I like the fact that it has the higher Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus, so I don't have trouble with retained placentas and other issues.....I have used several different tubs over the years and none are as good as the Replacement Heifer by Crystallix.....But it makes me mad that my feed mill will not stock the smaller size ones....Just because all the farmers around here want the big ones!JMHO

[littlecowfl]

Thanks, dexterlady! That was really helpful. I know exactly what you mean about he minerals. Perhaps the minerals are what made the most difference. We gave a special mineral to our cows before AI and they looked much healthier.

cddexter, what do you think? Is there a difference in the 'glue' used by different manufacturers?

[dexterlady]

Littlecowfl....My tubs work better in the winter because they are cooked and they don't melt in the summer like most do...And my cows don't get sore tongues from them....I only wish they would carry the small 125# tubs ....Another thing I DON'T like about these tubs is, they come in metal tubs and you have to pay a deposit of $11.00 per tub which is returnable and you don't get charged again unless you don't have any barrels to turn back in....It is really so much easier to just go down and buy the cheaper brand, but I do like these so much better for my cows....IF you can get them!

[littlecowfl]

That's interesting. The ones around here are just the plastic tubs of Sweetlix. The tubs can be used to feed grain in later. That's what I did.

[legendrockranch]

We have been using Crystalyx tubs for years. Have them out year round. They have a wide variety of tubs for you to pick from, it just depends on what your needs are.
Here is a link to the Crystalyx site and the different type of tubs they have. I will say this though, all dealers only carry certain tubs.

Crystalyx home page
www.crystalyx.com/


Crystalyx Florida locations
www.crystalyx.com/dealer-locator/?postalCode=32656

If you do a search of this board under "protein tubs" there is a lot of other comments there.

Barb

[littlecowfl]

Thanks! I heard someone explain the breakdown of price with regard to tubs versus grain supplementation. He seemed to think grain was more efficient. I think it depends on many factors. I can put out more feeders or a large enough feeder that all cows get enough. However, the lick offers free choice, but that depends on how much the animals will spend licking it. If dominant cows use it too much and then move the herd away to graze, some animals may not get enough. I think this was happening with my cows.

[dexterlady]

Barb do all the other variety of tubs, do any come in the plastic tubs?As far as I know all their tubs are metal....But yes they do have a big variety to choose from....Thank for adding the link for everyone....I still think the Crystallix is the best for my cows......

[littlecowfl]

Sounds like a better product than I was using.

[legendrockranch]

Well I guess my post of a couple hours ago is gone, maybe I forgot to create it

[littlecowfl]

I'm sure it was good.