Beef calf producers are always on the look for ways that they can improve their operation and their bottom line. They are always searching for ways to both improve their calf crop’s well being as well as their revenue. Creep feeding their calves to increase weaning weight is one strategy that has been used.
What is creep feeding?
Creep feeding in a nutshell is providing a supplement to calves in a way that cows can’t get it. This is done by having the feeder penned off with openings only big enough for them to get through. Creep feeding has been shown to provide extra nutrition to calves which increases weaning weight.
In order to be profitable however the cost of creep feed needs to be less than the overall value of the gain. So before making the decision to do this you must weigh the pros and cons of it. It is common when figuring out the costs of a program like this to only factor the feed costs. But you should also consider the labor, equipment, and fuel costs as well to get a more accurate figure.
Pros
-Provides a way to fill the “hungry calf gap”
As you move along during the year the cow will not be able to provide enough milk for the calf. During good years this gap can be offset with forages. However if forage quality is low then creep feeding is an option. This is a good option for fall-calving herds because as we get later in the year forages mature and provide less nutrients.
-Improves calf uniformity
Since you are providing supplements to the calf crop any nutrition shortcomings on your place you may have will be taken care of. All calves will have access to the nutrients that they need so they will all start off at the same spot. There are premiums available if the calves you are selling are all about the same weight.
-Provides calves that are bunk-broke
By creep feeding you will have a set of calves that are already use to eating out of a feed bunk. This will make it easier at the next transition from weaning.
-Simplifies weaning
Getting your calves use to eating on their own can make weaning a little easier on both you and the calves. They have already been slowly weaned off the mommas. This will also help with preventing any weight loss during this time. Since they are accustomed to eating out of a trough they will take to it faster.
-Leaves cows in better body condition score
Since your calves are learning to eat on their own there is less of a demand on the cows. This is only a benefit once they are closer to weaning. If they are still really young then there will be no change to them nursing.
Cons
-May not be economical
Studies have shown that generally it requires anywhere from 6 to 30lbs of creep feed in order to produce 1lb of calf gain. Not only should you factor in the price of the feed you should also consider the labor costs of keeping the feeders filled.
-May impair future milk production of replacement heifers
Study done by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln found that creep feeding heifer calves produces deposits of fat in their udders that will hinder their milk production. If you are going to creep feed it is best to separate the calves, if at all possible.
-Interferes with selection of cows for milk production
Since you are providing a supplement to fill in the gaps you may not know which cows in your herd are low milk producers. This can make it difficult when you are wanting to make any culling decisions.
-Can be difficult in remote areas
As with any plan that is used you have to take into account the labor costs of doing it. If your cows are in pastures that are hard to get to it will be difficult to keep them filled. The overall fuel costs of doing this could severely bite into any profits that you may get.
-Impossible with companion grazers like sheep and goats
If you have any sheep or goats grazing with your cow herd then creep feeding may not be the best option. With their smaller size they will be able to get through the barricades and eat the feed inside. This means their will be less for your calves. This can affect your bottom line because you are just wasting money.
Review
Creep feeding is an option producers can go with to get their calves to gain some extra weight. There are some pros and cons that producers should look at before making a decision. They should weigh the options and possible costs to decide if it is an option for their place.
If you would like to read more about creep feeding considerations I discuss that more here.
