Mix 30 Liquid Feed: A Comprehensive Review

Mix 30 liquid feed has become an increasingly popular supplement for cattle producers across the country. As the cost of feed continues to rise, many are looking for cost-effective ways to maximize forage digestion and maintain body condition. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Mix 30, including its ingredients, benefits, usage recommendations, and real-world producer testimonials.

What is Mix 30?

Mix 30 is a molasses-based liquid feed supplement manufactured by Mix 30 in Illinois. It contains 30% crude protein and 10% fat from high-quality sources like soybean meal cottonseed meal and animal fat. The combination of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals makes it a complete supplement to balance forage-based diets.

Mix 30 comes in bulk loads or tote bags and can be fed year-round through lick tanks or mixing with feed. It has an extremely high palatability meaning cattle readily consume it. The dark brown, syrupy consistency and molasses base make it attractive to all classes of cattle.

Key Ingredients in Mix 30

• Protein sources – Mix 30 contains a blend of plant-based proteins like soybean meal and cottonseed meal to provide a complete amino acid profile This optimizes microbial digestion in the rumen,

• Fat – The 10% fat content comes from high-quality animal fat. This supplies additional energy to maintain body condition.

• Molasses – Molasses improves palatability meaning cattle readily consume Mix 30. It also contains sugars to support rumen fermentation.

• Vitamins & minerals – A specialized blend of vitamins like A, D, and E plus key macrominerals promotes health.

• Flavors & preservatives – Apple flavoring enhances palatability. Preservatives like propionic acid inhibit mold and extend shelf life.

Benefits of Using Mix 30

There are many potential benefits cattle producers can realize from using Mix 30 liquid feed:

• Improves forage digestion – The high-quality proteins in Mix 30 balance the amino acid profile of low-quality roughages. This significantly improves fiber digestion by rumen microbes.

• Increased energy – The 10% fat content from animal fat provides a concentrated source of energy, This helps maintain optimal body condition and conception rates

• Higher breed-back rates – Multiple studies have shown using Mix 30 can increase first-service conception rates and weaning weights due to improved nutrition.

• Minimizes nutrient gaps – Having Mix 30 available year-round ensures cattle have access to supplemental protein and energy when forage quality declines. This prevents nutrient deficiencies.

• Low feeding rates – On average, feeding rates of 0.5-2 pounds per head per day are recommended. This makes Mix 30 a very cost-effective supplement.

• Increased palatability – The molasses, flavors, and syrupy texture make Mix 30 highly palatable. Even timid, low-ranking cattle readily consume it.

• Convenience – Mix 30 can be fed through lick tanks, allowing cattle to self-regulate intake. It requires no mixing or handling by producers.

Usage Recommendations

Most cattle producers offer Mix 30 liquid feed through free-choice lick tanks. The standard recommendation is to provide 1 lick tank for every 15-30 head of cattle. Lick tanks should be placed in areas of high traffic near water sources.

Average feeding rates range from 0.5-2 pounds per head per day. Cattle typically consume more during periods of poorer forage quality, cold stress, or increased energy demands like lactation. Mix 30 intake naturally declines when forage quality improves.

For confined cattle on total mixed rations, Mix 30 can be top-dressed at 2-4 pounds per head per day. It’s always a good idea to introduce Mix 30 slowly, starting at lower rates and increasing gradually. This allows the rumen microbes to adapt.

During wheat pasture grazing, feeding 1 pound of Mix 30 per head per day is recommended to prevent bloat. The small amount of oil coats wheat particles in the rumen and reduces frothiness. For cattle grazing lush spring pastures prone to bloat, offer 0.5 pounds of Mix 30 as a preventative.

Real-World Producer Testimonials

The best way to evaluate a feed product is to hear from real-world cattle producers using it every day. Here are excerpts from published testimonials on the Mix 30 website:

“We started using Mix 30 over 15 years ago…we found it very helpful in controlling bloat on our wheat pasture cattle. We also see an extra 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of daily gain when using Mix 30.” – Western Livestock Commission Co., Oklahoma

“I’ve used Mix 30 for 10 years now. I think the 10% fat gives my cattle the extra energy they need for re-breeding. My cows only eat it when something is lacking in their diet…It’s the best winter or year-round supplement I’ve found.” – Larry Lairmore, Arkansas

“We’ve used Mix 30 for years. Our cattle stay in good flesh and have high pregnancy rates even for our first-calf heifers. It’s economical and beneficial whether on fescue, cornstalks, or to fortify lower quality hay.” – Will & Steve Andras, Illinois

“We started feeding Mix 30 a couple years ago and haven’t lost any body condition, even with poor quality hay! Our first embryo transfer pregnancy rates increased 10%. It’s convenient to feed and cattle only eat it when they need it.” – Phillip & Alan Bridges, Georgia

The Bottom Line

After reviewing the ingredients, benefits, feeding directions, and real-world producer experiences, it’s easy to see why Mix 30 has become such a popular choice. This molasses-based liquid feed offers an extremely cost-effective way to balance rations and provide supplemental protein and energy.

While no feed product is a silver bullet, the convenience, palatability, and proven results make Mix 30 stand out. It’s an excellent option for cattle producers looking to maximize forage utilization, maintain body condition, and support reproductive performance. For many, Mix 30 liquid feed has become an indispensable part of their cattle nutrition program.