Feed Lot Magazine Online, Creep Feeding Calves... There's More to This Story

Whenever someone writes an article about creep feeding, the main theme is always how weaning weights are increased 50 to 100 pounds. That alone should be enough reason to consider creep feeding, as Table 1 suggests it certainly "pencils out."

The preceding example assumes a well balanced, nutrient-dense, pelleted creep diet is fed and conversions of 3.5 to 4.5 lb. of creep per pound of extra gain.

However, there's more to this story. The advantages of creep feeding go far beyond increasing pounds of weaned calf.

Cows are heavier at weaning

University research has shown cows are 20 to 30 lbs. heavier at weaning when their calves have been creep fed. A cull cow weighing 30 extra pounds will potentially return $8.40 more per head (30 lb. X $0.28/lb cull cow price).

Increases Pasture Carrying Capacity

Pasture carrying capacity can be increased as much as five percent, which is especially important in dry years. A five percent savings on 1.5 tons of winter hay feeding potentially saves more then $4.00 to $5.00 per cow (assuming $60.00 per ton for hay).

Eases Stress on Young Cows

Calves from first-calf heifers are naturally lighter than herd mates from older dams. Numerous university trials have shown creep-fed calves from younger cows are 9 percent heavier than those not creep fed. Creep feeding will also improve calf crop uniformity.

Facilitates Early Weaning

Creep-fed calves can be early weaned with less stress in times of poor pasture conditions. Early weaning reduces grazing pressure on pastures during dry periods. Early weaning reduces lactation demands allowing the dam more time to regain body condition.

In Oklahoma studies, first-calf heifers were 87 lbs. heavier in the fall when their calves were creep fed and early weaned. In these studies conception rates were also significantly improved.

Calves Start Quicker in the Feedlot with Less Sickness

Controlled studies by Ohio State demonstrated creep fed calves get off to a quicker, healthier start when shipped to a feedlot. Results of this study are shown in table 2.

Creep feeding is a good way for a producer to enhance their reputation as a source of feeder cattle that do well upon arrival with minimal sickness.

The right creep formulation also promotes "bloomier" looking calves that bring top dollar from feeder calf buyers.

Good Creep Feed

A good creep feed must be palatable and provide nutrition that allows a calf to develop muscle and frame. We need to remember that the young calf is not just gaining but is developing according to its genetic potential.

A good creep should also promote an efficient gain. Many high-fiber, low-cost creep feeds promote acceptable gains, but inefficiently and at a high cost of gain. In other words, you can drive to town at 60 mph in second gear, or at a lower cost by shifting to fourth!

Creep feeds should be pelleted. Depending on the formulation pelleted creep feeds result in conversions ranging from 3 to 5 lb. of feed per lb. of gain. Grain mixes are popular as creep feeds, but conversions will range from 8 to 12 lb. of feed per lb. of gain.

A good creep provides the right sources and levels of bypass or rumen escape protein. This is protein that escapes rumen fermentation, going right to the lower gut to supply amino acids needed by the calf for growth and development.

Kent Feeds has conducted research in the area of bypass or rumen escape protein (Protected Natural Protein or PNP) in creep feeds for over 20 years. The results are fine-tuned creep formulas promoting efficient, rapid, developmental gains that truly add value to a calf crop.

Pasture creep studies at the University of Nebraska also confirmed the importance of rumen escape or bypass protein. The researchers had the following quote at the end of their research report, "we concluded that in spring-born and fall-born nursing calves...escape protein is the first limiting nutrient" (Nebraska Res. Report MP 61-A).

In summary, there is always more to every story and creep feeding is no exception. The benefits of a nutritionally well-balanced creep program go far beyond simply producing more pounds of calf crop weaned.