In addition to improved feed efficiency, several factors should be considered when determining the economic efficiency and feasibility of creep feeding. OTHER CONSIDERATIONSĪ Creep conversion = lb creep feed consumed/lb added body weight gain from creep feedī Cost of additional gain = $/lb creep feed consumed × (lb creep feed consumed/lb added gain from creep) Table 1 shows the cost of gain at various feed costs and feed conversion rates. However, feed conversions are typically around 4:1 for a limited protein-based feed and 8:1 for an energy-based feed. Research has shown that creep feed conversion can range from 4:1 to 18:1 pounds of feed to a pound of calf gain. The type of creep feed greatly influences the conversion of feed to added gain. There are genetic limitations on the rate of gain calves can achieve therefore, when milk and high-quality pasture are abundant, the cost of additional gain from creep feeding will likely be quite high. The highest economic returns from creep feeding typically occur when: (1) forage is too mature for efficient utilisation, (2) forage quantity is limited due to drought or overgrazing, or (3) calves are nursing poor-milking cows or heifers.
The most critical consideration for a creep feeding program is the cost of additional gain. Crude protein and total digestible nutrient content of forages in the northern Great Plains When the amount of high-quality forage is limited or unavailable, supplemental creep feeding should be evaluated as an alternative to maintain calf performance. High-quality pasture is generally the most economical source of nutrients during this period however, the increase in nutrient requirements for calves from spring-calving herds in the northern Great Plains comes at a time when the nutrient density of pastures is rapidly declining (Figure 1). After 90 days, the calves consume an increasing proportion of their nutrient intake from forage. However, the first limiting nutrient is variable and likely depends on the forage species and timing within the grazing season.Ĭalves that are less than 90 days of age receive the majority of their nutrient intake from milk. Previous researchers have utilised creep feeding to help correct nutrient deficiencies in nursing calves. The energy and protein requirements of nursing calves are poorly defined. Creep feeding for the purpose of increasing weaning weight alone may not be profitable therefore, the decision to creep feed calves should be based on the analysis of expected increases in performance and income compared to the cost of feed. The type of creep feeds available vary from grain-based feeds that primarily supplement energy, to limit-fed high-protein feeds, to “green creeps,” which are high-quality pastures grown for the sole purpose of grazing by nursing calves.
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