At Feeders Grain & Farm Supply Inc., one of the most recognizable products in the yard is the blue tub. Whether you’ve seen them at a rodeo, on pasture, or sitting in a neighbor’s lot, most producers are familiar with them—but not everyone fully understands how to use them to their advantage.
In this episode of At the Feed Store, I sat down with Shelby Cornelius from Vitalix to break down what makes these tubs different, how they work, and how to get the most value out of them.
Built on One Thing: Doing Tubs Right
Vitalix has been around for over 30 years, starting as a family-owned company and still operating that way today. What makes them unique is simple:
They focus on one thing—and they do it well.
They don’t try to be everything. They specialize in supplement tubs, which means their entire operation is built around improving that one product category.
Today, they operate multiple plants across the U.S., allowing them to serve producers efficiently across different regions and climates.
Why There’s No “One-Size-Fits-All” Tub
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a tub is a tub.
In reality, supplementation should change based on:
- Time of year
- Forage quality
- Stage of production (weaning, breeding, calving)
- Stress levels
- Region and climate
That’s why Vitalix offers a wide range of tubs, including:
- Weaning and stress tubs
- Protein tubs for pasture and stalks
- Breeder tubs for pre-calving and breeding
- All-natural options (no urea)
- Sheep, goat, and equine tubs
This flexibility allows producers to adjust nutrition instead of guessing.
What’s Actually Inside the Tub Matters
Not all tubs are created equal.
Vitalix tubs include key components like:
- Digestive support (Diamond V / XPC)
- Trace minerals (Zinpro technology)
- Organic selenium and additives for stress support
These aren’t just fillers—they’re designed to:
- Improve digestion
- Support immune function
- Increase nutrient utilization
For producers, that means better performance without adding more feed.
Understanding Consumption: Don’t Panic
One of the biggest concerns producers have is:
“My cattle are eating the tub too fast.”
Here’s what’s actually happening:
- When cattle are first introduced to tubs, consumption spikes
- After a few weeks, intake levels out to a consistent average
- Average consumption is just that—an average, not a daily exact number
If cattle are hitting it hard early, it often means:
They were deficient in something
Once their needs are met, they naturally regulate intake.
Cost Per Day vs. Cost Per Tub
It’s easy to look at a tub and think:
“That’s expensive.”
But the real number that matters is: Cost per head per day
When you break it down:
- A 250 lb tub spread across a group
- With controlled consumption rates
…it often comes out to pennies per head per day.
And when you compare that to:
- Lost body condition
- Missed breed cycles
- Lower weaning weights
…it becomes a very different conversation.
The Real ROI: Reproduction & Performance
This is where tubs really prove their value.
Research-backed components in these tubs have shown:
- Improved conception rates
- Better breed-back success
- Increased feed intake efficiency
Why does that matter?
Because even one missed heat cycle can:
- Set a calf back 30–50 pounds at weaning
- Lower your herd average
- Cost significantly more than the price of supplementation
This is where nutrition becomes profit protection, not just an expense.
Management Matters: How to Use Tubs Correctly
To get the most out of tubs:
Keep them in front of cattle consistently
Don’t let tubs run out—this resets intake patterns.
Provide enough access
- Roughly 1 tub per 30 head
- Multiple tubs help prevent overcrowding
Offer salt alongside tubs
Since high-quality tubs don’t rely on fillers, salt helps balance intake.
Adjust based on season
- Softer tubs in winter (easier intake)
- Harder tubs in summer (control consumption)
Not Just for Cattle
While most people think of tubs for beef cattle, they also play a major role in:
- Sheep and goats
- Horses
- Show livestock
In fact, targeted tubs can help:
- Improve body condition
- Support lactation
- Increase weaning weights
Across multiple species.
Why Feeders Grain Recommends Tubs
At Feeders Grain, we don’t look at products—we look at systems.
Tubs:
- Simplify feeding programs
- Remove guesswork
- Deliver consistent nutrition
- Support herd performance year-round
And most importantly: They help producers avoid costly mistakes
Have Questions About Protein Tubs?
If you’re unsure:
- Which tub to use
- When to switch formulas
- How much do you need
Stop by Feeders Grain & Farm Supply Inc., and we’ll help you build a plan that fits your herd, your forage, and your goals.
