Did you know that cattle need protein supplements just like humans? During the winter,most grasses, like our native wiregrass and planted grasses like bahia, struggle during the cold months even in sunny Florida. In order to maintain the health and development of the herd, especially if they are pregnant, ranchers must supplement the nutrition lost due to low forage quality. Low-quality forage slows down the rumen’s fermentation process, causing cattle to eat less even as they need more energy to stay warm. Protein tubs (also known as lick tubs) are a popular solution to this challenge.
The most significant benefit isn’t the protein in the tub itself, but how it unlocks the nutrients in the hay or pasture the cow is already eating. The rumen is a fermentation vat filled with bacteria that break down fiber. These microbes require nitrogen (protein) to multiply. When microbes have enough protein, they break down dry, stemmy forage faster. This allows the cow to empty her rumen more quickly and consume more forage, effectively increasing her total energy intake. If forage protein falls below 7%, microbial activity stalls. Supplementing with a tub can increase dry matter intake by as much as 20%! That 20% can translate to healthier cows that raise healthier and bigger calves later, giving you a better steak.
Recycling on the Ranch:
After the cattle have consumed everything in the tub, we now have a perfectly good container that has limitless potential! From temporary water troughs to raised garden beds, we do not let these tubs go to waste.
