Optimise weaning weight by creep feeding sucklers
Many suckler producers now feed creep for much of the grazing season, to optimise weaning weight.
Feeding meal to young calves is much cheaper per kg of live weight gain than feeding them when they are older. This is a simple one to figure out; a younger, smaller animal requires less maintenance than an older bigger one. The motive behind creep feeding should be the added weaning weight gain of the calves. Creep feeding also takes some pressure off the suckler cow, as it can help her regain her body weight and strength much faster. This will aid her fertility performance.
Creep feeding in the suckler herd should ideally commence when calves require additional energy to maintain target weight gains beyond the energy consumed from milk and grass.
In stock with high weight gain potential, this point may occur when the oldest calf is about 60-70 days old.
Creep feeding also makes weaning easier, because the calves are not new to feeds other than milk.
Creep feeding also becomes necessary when the quality and quantity of the dam’s milk are not good; calves have had a disease burden; grass for the calves is too mature; or grass is in scarce supply for the herd.
Forward grazing creep gate
Growing quality grass and using a creep gate to forward graze calves while restricting the cows’ grass intake is also a good way to maximise weaning weight.
The calves can pick the best quality grass before cows are left access to the pasture. This strategy needs to be managed carefully, because forcing cows to graze paddocks too tightly could potentially damage their reproductive performance.
Dividing bull and heifer calves
Many will also consider the practice of running two separate cow groups, by dividing bulls and heifers, prior to creep feeding.
Fat replacements (due to creep feeding) can have reduced milk production and low productivity.
Cost of creep feeding
Another important consideration is the cost of creep feed. The cost of the added weaning weight must contribute to profit. In the current climate, it pays very well to maximise weaning weight through creep feeding, because premium prices are only being paid for quality weanlings.
Unfortunately, bull beef is not as popular as last year, due to market changes.
Current markets for bull beef dictate that they must be less than 16 months at slaughter. It has therefore become essential to optimise weanling weight to achieve these targets.
Creep ration
Creep rations should be grain-based and protein-based. A good quality calf creep should include whole or coarsely rolled or ground grain, high quality whole oats, a good source of digestible fibre, and ideally, hi-pro soya as a protein source. All these should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
Avoid contamination of the creep ration from birds, as they can carry a lot of diseases, which reduce calf performance.
Exact requirements depend strictly on the needs of the particular calf crop and the target market.
