Things are very challenging concerning fall grazing this year in my area. Lots of corn on the ground where there are pivots, most dryland stalks are dangerously high in nitrates, etc.
What I like about the Roughage Buster 35% tubs is the added protein and the slow release biuret. Most tubs run 20-25% protein...so for hardly any more money you getting the extra protein. So far, the average consumption on the RB 35% tubs that I have seen is right at half a pound a day. Brand X tubs are running anywhere from 1-1.5 pounds per head per day. So, even though they cost a little more per ton, cost per head per day is lower. The cattle will tell you what they need if you pay attention. Now if the RB 35% tub consumption goes up to 1.5 #'s per day, they are telling you there is not enough out there to meet their needs, and it's time to move 'em.
I have cattle on the RB 35% tubs that are right across the fence from cattle on Brand X. The Brand X consumption is at LEAST 1.5 #'s whereas the RB 35% is at half a pound, The RB 35% cattle have been out there longer, look better, are more content, and are more evenly grazing the stalks.
Your friends are either using RB 80 blocks or meal. Both are good products. They also make RB 60 and RB 100 (100% protein) blocks and meal. The 100's are for times when the grazing is really, really poor. And they work wonderfully.
Hopefully by next year LOOMIX will have a liquid with biuret in it. That should be something!