Yes, protein supplements can be self-fed; however, most oil seed meals are highly palatable, and cattle will overconsume them if given the opportunity. To control intake, a limiting agent of some type is necessary. One that has received extensive use is salt. Two or three parts of protein supplement to one part of salt has successfully worked. The key to this method of feeding is that an animal will consume approximately 0.1 pound of salt per 100 pounds of body weight per day. A ration of 1 pound salt and 2 pounds oil seed meal supplement will provide a daily consumption of about 2 pounds of supplement for 1,000-pound cows.

The ratio of salt to meal can be varied to provide the desired level of protein supplement intake. In the beginning, use a mixture containing one part salt to four parts of meal, with the percentage of salt increased as the animals become accustomed to it. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Also, when starting cattle on a salt/protein mix, it is advised to hand feed the first few days to avoid overconsumption. The addition of Rumensin to stocker supplements will reduce the salt required by approximately 25 to 35 percent.