Adding additional nutrients to nursing calves’ diets through creep feeding often takes the form of grain, protein supplements, processed calf creeps, or premium forages. Calves often have access through a gate that is big enough for them to fit through but tiny enough to prevent cows from getting through. Grains, “creep grazing,” premium forages, and protein supplements are examples of beef creep feed in Seneca KS.
What is cost-effective on one farm or ranch might not be on another. Before determining whether to creep feed, producers should thoroughly assess the goals of the specific operation. Similarly, what is inexpensive in one year could not be in another.
Some Calves Respond Better
Calves that have been creep fed often experience fewer setbacks at weaning and are more likely to quickly adjust to feedlot diets. Calves with more growth potential will react to creep feeding more favorably. Bull calves will react more positively than steer or heifer.
Weaning Weights Increased
Weights for weaning are raised. With beef creep feed in Seneca, KS, producers may anticipate an additional increase of 30 to 60 pounds. One pound of further increase typically requires 8 to 12 pounds of feed. However, with grain-based creep diets, feed conversions, which is the pounds of creep per pound of additional growth, can range from 5:1 to 30:1.
Benefits Herds with Low Milk Production
The mother’s milk provides the nursing calf with an essential supply of nutrition. Creep feeding may be particularly beneficial to herds with low milk output, a large proportion of first-calf heifers, or a high percentage of older cows.