Creep feeding tends to minimize differences in weaning weight. Genetic differences in maternal milking ability may be masked.Studies at the Dickinson Research Center indicated that slaughter weights were similar for creep and non-creep fed calves, even though creep fed calves had a 24-pound advantage in weaning weight. Calves which do not receive creep feed will catch up or compensate after weaning if given access to a good quality backgrounding or feedlot ration. For producers planning to retain ownership, much of the value of creep feeding may be masked by compensatory growth of non-creep fed calves.The calf price relative to feed price ratio does not always favor creep feeding.Creep feeding generally will not pay, if calves will be wintered or backgrounded on low energy diets before going to summer grass as yearlings.Likewise, bull calves will respond better than steer or heifer calves. Calves with above average growth potential will respond better to creep feeding.Herds with low milk production or high numbers of first-calf heifers or aged cows may benefit the most from creep feeding. Milk is an important source of nutrients for the nursing calf.Calves which have been creep fed usually suffer less setback at weaning and tend to adapt to feedlot rations quicker than calves which have not been creep fed.However, feed conversions (pounds of creep per pound of added gain) can range from 5:1 to 30:1 with grain based creep feeds.

It usually takes 8 to 12 pounds of grain to produce one pound of added gain. Producers can expect 30 to 60 pounds of added gain with creep feeding. Likewise, what is economical in one year may not be economical in another. Producers should carefully evaluate the objectives of the individual operation before deciding whether or not to creep feed. What is economical on one farm or ranch may not be economical on another. Length of time calves will be creep fed.Conversion efficiencies of creep feeds to added weaning weight.Forage availability and forage quality.Calf prices and the effects of added calf weight and condition (fleshiness) on calf sale prices.Several factors which need consideration before making the decision to creep feed include: Creeps vary from grains to 'creep grazing' high quality forages to limit-fed protein supplements.Īnalysis of whether or not to creep feed is a complex issue. Calves are usually allowed access through a gate large enough to allow calves to enter but small enough to restrict access by cows. Creep feeding is a means of providing supplemental nutrients to nursing calves, usually in the form of grain, protein supplements, commercial calf creeps, or high quality forages.

Homemade creep feeder for calves