Cattle Protein Tubs

[Kartattack]

My place is in west Texas. The land is pretty poor to begin with and was over-grazed before I bought it. There is no stock on it now and I am trying to get it classified as wildlife management land (same low taxes as Ag use). I have been feeding with broadcast feeders (corn, protein pellets, soy beans, milo) and with alfalfa. I also am going to try food plots next year (didn't get things done in time for this year).

I know the lactating does and antler growing bucks need lots of protein. Can I use these cattle tubs for free choice feed instead of broadcasting pellets?

http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=8&paID=1041&sonID=177&productID=1591

[mikeolivertx]

If you are shopping Tractor Supply try the
Raglang Elite 12% HY-PHOS MINERAL ($12.00) for your mineral lick ,mixed with the rock salt ($3.50).
It is only 12 % phosphorus15% calcium12% salt.

Start with 2 bags of the Hy-phos and 1 bag rock salt (50 lb bags) then taper the salt back as you replace.

[Bob S]

This is the mineral block I use from TSC.

Deer & Game Block (http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=8&paID=1041&sonID=177&productID=9097)

It is only 9-10% salt. I like to use this because of the low salt content.

[Kartattack]

Mike:

Are you putting the minerals out in a tub or just dumping it on the ground?

Bob:

I have used a block similar to that this past year. The one I use has bits of corn in it as well. It seems the doves work it over more than the deer do! I will try these this month as the others are gone.

Thanks for the responses, though I don't think we've answered my question. I'm going to buy a couple of these protein tubs, put them out and see what happens.

Carl

[jfwalker]

Short recipe for mineral lick. One part dicalcium phosphate to three parts mineral salt. Make a 2'by6' trench 6" deep, put in mix, mix with dirt. Done

Freshen every 6 months, cutting back on salt as the deer get used to the lick.

Don't use anything with molasses, rots their teeth.
Don't use blocks, they help spread disease.

[4x4man514]

jf, im trying that recipe this year.well see how it works!

[mikeolivertx]

Kartattack I dig a 6 in X 36" round hole and mix it with the dirt ...... I was going to try the Di-calcium phosphate mixtures, but can only find a local supplier that carries a 4 pound bucket for $9.oo not very economical, ( not a big dairy area down here) I am trying to get some Di-calcium phosphate 50# shipped in, but did the substitute Tractor supply recipe for now .

[jfwalker]

Dicalcium phosphate is a common cattle feed supplement.It should cost $10 for a 50lb bag.

Also, make sure you use mineral salt, not rock salt.Mineral salt is about $5 for a 50lb bag.Using the 1 to 3 ratio, 200lbs of mix will be $25, which is about what I have seen 4lb blocks priced at.

[jfwalker]

Kart, in your original message you indicated that you wanted to put down food plots for next year, but didn't get any put in time this past year.

This may not be the time of year to disc and plant food plots, but what about overseeding?Overseeding is my favorite method increasing the carrying capacity of the land, and I do mine in the winter, when I would have otherwise unproductive time.The freezing and thawing of the soil cause small cracks in the soil that work the seeds in and the spring rains make a muddy soup that assures good seed to soil contact. It's nature's way and it works great.Is overseeding a possibility in West Texas? Will you get enough freezes and thaws to work the seed into the soil?

[Kartattack]

JF:

Well, the best rains are in the fall: usually October and November. I cleared two plots with a box blade and full rippers, so the soil is broken up to a depth of about 6 inches. However, I didn't get a chance to lime it at all. I was going to broadcast seed it and harrow it with...something, but I thought it would be a waste of seed without lime and fertilizer. I guess I could try some chicory if I get a chance soon.

[mikeolivertx]

Kartattack, contact Tecomate Seed in McAllen,Tx they will recommend what you should plant in your area of Texas, what part of Texas are you in.

Edna Campos [ednac@tecomate.com]

Ryan is the Texas Biologist( TECOMATE1@aol.com )

[jfwalker]

Sounds like you need to restore the fertility of the soil.

First get a soil test. Then get with your local NRCS office and see what will grow in your soil as it is, that will increase your soil's fertility, usually a legume and preferaly one that can be simply broadcast. The fact that your soils have been overgrazed will work to your advantage with a legume. The less nitrogen in the soil, the more nitrogen the legume will fix from the atmosphere.Let mother nature do the work.

I'm not advising against discing and planting food plots. What I am suggesting is to get with your local NRCS office and see if there is a possible legume you could overseed in areas you are not going to disc and seed. Something that will grow with your existing pH.

[Kartattack]

Mike:

I contacted Tecomate last year and they recommended Max Attract and Monster Mix be planted in September or October. That is what I would like to try, but I didn't get a chance to do any preparation save clearing the brush and breaking up the soil.

My place is east of Big Bend National Park, south of Ozona, NW of Del Rio, in Terrell county. There's a whole lot of nothin' out there!

jf:

I intend to take some soil samples on my next visit and get them analyzed. I'm pretty sure the pH is acceptable (seven to mid sevens is what the county extension office is telling me most are tested at) but there is just about no nitrogen in the soil. And whatever grows needs to be drought tolerant.

I'm going to try to get samples in this month and I'll let you know the results.