herofan":30y4byri said:
I've heard of the tubs, but never used them. Are these tubs in addition to loose mineral, or does it take the place of it? What size tubs do they come in, and what size would best serve 20 cows, and how long would the tub typically last? Should the tubs be sheltered from the weather?
So, it appears that some cows may not breed back in a timely manner if they are with calf, but it's usually due to lack of minerals, poor body condition, poor fertility with bull/co,etc. In other words, there is a reason, it's not just something i have to accept as the norm. Is that correct?
There are a ton of questions here.
1. tubs vs loose mineral has been cussed and discussed over and over on these boards - there's a thread going on right now. don't need both.
2. tubs can stay out in the weather but most tubs need salt as well as they don't contain it.
3. tubs last till the cows eat it which is based on their needs, their feed, and some would say their boredom
4. there may be reasons that cows don't breed back that may be associated with nutrient needs - whether feed or mineral (some may argue the mineral). their overall body condition and fertility with the bull are two big possibilities.
5. most would say you should NEVER accept poor fertility as a norm but some may
6. that said, part of the fertility issue may also just be the COW herself regardless of how you treat her. then it WILL be the NORM for her and potentially her gene pool but whether or not you accept that in your herd is up to you.