A:   In forage diet for beef cows that consists of medium to low quality forage, there is usually a need for rumen degradable protein (DIP) and not so much of a need for by-pass protein. However, so of the by-pass protein can be recycled to urea and be transported back into the rumen by salvia and be used as DIP. Calves and young lactating females have a greater need for by-pass protein compared to mature cows. Cottonseed meal is a good source of both DIP and by-pass protein. The protein is about 57% DIP and 43% by-pass. You can limit supplement intake in self-fed supplements using salt, it will take some experimenting. Our data would indicate that intake can be variable meaning that some cows will eat more than you calcualted, some will eat about the right amount or less, and some won't eat any at all.