1 minute read
The Common Tub Talk
by mlstubs
FAQ’s at the Counter
How do you know my livestock will only consume the amount that is on the label? Will they consume more than that?
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The best way to accurately judge consumption is to keep track for at least 90 days. A producer will need to know the number of head being fed, number of tubs put out and number of days on tubs. This a key time to point out the reccomended stocking rate on the product label, as the stocking rate can effect consumption.
Half a pound a day does not seem like enough feed for my cows? Does that give them anything that they need?
We have to remember and remind our customers that tubs are supplement to fill in gaps in the diet, not a full feed. It is a small amount that will help to increase rumen activity, increase forage utilization, provide needed mineral and other benefits at different times in the production cycle when they are relying on a forage source as the base of their program.
Wow that seems like a high price for a tub? That seems like a pricey way to supplement my cow herd.
Cost per Head per Day is key in breaking down the sticker shock cost and getting a producer to see the value of a supplement program by the small investment daily supplement is.
IE..$145/200lb=$0.72/lb
$0.72x0.33=$0.24/hd/d
Isn’t it easier to supplement with a bag of loose mineral than trying to put tubs out?
Although loose mineral has always been the traditional way to provide mineral to your cow herd this is a very inconsistent method. The palatability is much lower than tubs, it gets wasted by the weather compared to zero waste with a low-moisture tub when comparing cost per head per day tubs are acutally a more economical input.
Why do I need to feed mineral when I put brown “trace mineral” blocks out?
Not all tubs are created equal and producers can ask a lot of questions when it comes to a MLS low moisture supplement program. We have compiled some commonly asked question and a few answers for you to be prepared Q: Q: Q: Q: Q:
Trace “Mineral” blocks are about 90-95% salt. They have a very small amount of mineral in them that will not meet the NRC requirements for mineral.
