Mix 30 - FAQ

	Frequently Asked Questions

	What is it? What is Mix 30? What is the guaranteed analysis of Mix 30? How is Mix 30 different from other liquid feeds? Is it true that flies do not like Mix 30? Nutrition What type of protein is found in Mix 30? What type of carbohydrates does Mix 30 contain? Why is there fat in Mix 30? What are the advantages of this fat over other types of fat? Feeding and Application How do I feed Mix 30? How does Mix 30 work on low quality forage? Is Mix 30 necessary on high quality forage? What is the intake of Mix 30? Can I limit the feed rate of Mix 30? Is it necessary to feed a vitamin-mineral supplement along with Mix 30? Storage and Handling What kind of storage tank can I use to store Mix 30? Does Mix 30 need to be circulated? What type of pump do I need to handle Mix 30? What precautions to I need to take for handling Mix 30 during the winter? What is it? What is Mix 30? Mix 30 is a blend of corn and/or soy co-products designed for feeding to ruminants in a variety of feeding situations. For more information, please see our What Is Mix 30? page. What is the guaranteed analysis of Mix 30? Mix 30 is guaranteed to contain 16% protein and 10% fat on an as-fed basis. How is Mix 30 different from other liquid feeds? First and foremost, Mix 30 does not contain any urea or molasses like most other liquid feeds. Urea and molasses are extremely soluble and break down much too rapidly for ideal rumen utilization. Mix 30 contains a variety of nitrogen and energy sources designed to more closely match the fermentation capabilities of the rumen forage microbes. Most of the carbohydrates in Mix 30 are in a non-sugar, non-starch form, making Mix 30 very compatible with animals on forage-based diets. Secondly, Mix 30 contains a high level of vegetable fat compared to other liquid feeds. This fat has numerous benefits. Is it true that flies do not like Mix 30? Although the reasons are not clear, flies seem to have an aversion to MIX 30 and the animals consuming it. Back to Top Nutrition What type of protein is found in Mix 30? Mix 30 supplies a unique combination of proteins from a variety of sources. These sources include natural proteins, soluble nitrogen and free amino acids and peptides. What type of carbohydrates does Mix 30 contain? Mix 30 contains very low amounts of sugar and starch based carbohydrates. However, Mix 30 contains non-starch, non-sugar based carbohydrates that are “fiber microbe friendly”. Why is there fat in Mix 30? Fat is beneficial to ruminants for a number of reasons. Fat has 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy. In addition, Mix 30 contains a concentrated source of linoleic fatty acid supplied from the corn and soy based fat. Linoleic fatty acid is one of the essential fatty acids that has been shown to improve reproduction. What are the advantages of this fat over other types of fat? This type of fat found in Mix 30 has several advantages. Since it is a vegetable fat, there are no problems with rancidity as with animal fat. Colorado State University, under the direction of Dr. Don Johnson has proven by research that Mix 30 increases the fat levels in the blood. The blood fatty acid profile shows a large increase in C18:2 (linoleic acid), the predominant polyunsaturated fat present in Mix 30, proving that much of the fat in Mix 30 is bypassed on high concentrate rations. Research also shows that this fat does not inhibit fiber digestion and actually helps digest the natural fat already present in the feedstuff of the total mixed ration. Back to Top Feeding and Application How do I feed Mix 30? Mix 30 can be safely fed in open top containers as well as traditional lick wheel feeders. Even though Mix 30 contains NPN (Non-protein nitrogen), the level found in Mix 30 is low enough to not be a problem. How does Mix 30 work on low quality forage? Low quality forage diets commonly contain an insufficient amount of protein and energy to meet the nutritional requirements of the ruminant. On these types of diets, rate of passage is slow resulting in efficient microbial crude protein synthesis (more energy is necessary for microbial maintenance). Mix 30 can supply additional forms of protein as well as additional energy to help meet rumen fermentation needs. Mix 30 is also low in sugar and starch based carbohydrates. Mix 30 contains carbohydrates that are “fiber microbe friendly”. Is Mix 30 necessary on high quality forage? Mix 30 can be beneficial on high quality forages as well. Most high quality forages contain excess soluble protein in relation to the amount of energy they contain. Mix 30 can supply the additional energy necessary for the utilization of ths excess protein. What is the intake of Mix 30? Mix 30 intake will vary depending on the quantity and quality of other feedstuffs available to the animal. The lower the quality and quantity of the forage, the higher the intake of Mix 30. Intakes generally range from .25 pounds on high quality forage up to 5 pounds on low quality forage. In situations, where cattle have low body condition scores and severely limited supplies of forage, higher intakes should be expected. Can I limit the feed rate of Mix 30? Ruminants will not normally consume Mix 30 unless they are experiencing a nutritional deficiency. However, if animals are consuming more than you want, you can limit their intake in a variety of ways. You can adjust the location of the tub in relation to the water source and/or you can limit the amount that is available to them on a daily or weekly basis. Using lick wheel feeders will also limit the amount of Mix 30 consumed. Salt may also be used as a tool to control intake. Is it necessary to feed a vitamin-mineral supplement along with Mix 30? Yes, it is recommended that a vitamin-mineral supplement designed to complement the particular forage the animals are consuming be made available, free choice. Since Mix 30 is a very nutrient dense, consumption of free choice mineral is typically reduced. Back to Top Storage and Handling What kind of storage tank can I use to store Mix 30? Mix 30 can be stored in a poly or steel tank. Does Mix 30 need to be circulated? The fact is all liquid feeds separate over time, and Mix 30 is no exception. It is recommended that Mix 30 be circulated or agitated occasionally with a pump or with air. We suggest that Mix 30 be circulated for several minutes before pulling product from the tank. Mixing time should be increased as the interval between pull-outs lengthens. What type of pump do I need to handle Mix 30? Despite Mix 30’s high fat content, it generally flows well even in cold temperatures. In most situations a centrifugal pump is all that is necessary. In colder climates it is essential to use some type of positive displacement pump. What precautions to I need to take for handling Mix 30 during the winter? Since Mix 30 is slightly acidic it has a lower freezing point. At extremely cold temperatures it will thicken up and pump harder (temperatures below 10 degrees). To alleviate any problems, simply empty the pump and pipe lines out when not in use. The product in the tank will generally hold its heat and stay liquid. Another option is to place heat tape around the pump and pipe lines to keep the product warm. Back to Top