Creep feeding the suckler calf
Many suckler producers now creep feed for much of the grazing season to optimise weaning weight.
Feeding meal to young calves is much cheaper per kg live weight gain than feeding them when they are older. This is a simple scenario, as a younger smaller animal requires less maintenance than an older bigger one.
The purpose of creep feeding should be to achieve added weaning weight. 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 approx 60-70 days old. Creep feeding also makes weaning easier as calves are not new to concentrate feeds when milk is no longer available.
Creep feeding also becomes necessary when the quality and quantity of the dam’s milk is not good, calves have had a disease burden, grass for the calves is too mature or grass is in scarce supply for the herd.
Autumn-born calves are now approaching six months of age and will be weaned in the summer months. These will benefit from creep feeding for at least 4-6 weeks before the intended weaning date.
Growing top 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 best quality grass before cows are left access to pasture reducing grazing competition. This strategy needs to be managed carefully as forcing cows to graze paddocks too tightly could damage reproductive performance in the cows.
Many producers will also consider the practice of running two separate cow groups by dividing bulls and heifers prior to creep feeding. Over fat replacements heifers due to creep feeding can have reduced milk production and low productivity if they are over fed as weanlings. Running separate groups may not be practical, in which case it is important that the creep feed promotes frame growth rather than excessive flesh.
Another important consideration is the cost of creep feed. The cost of the added weaning weight must add to the herd’s profit. In the current climate, it pays very well to maximise weaning weight through creep feeding as premium prices are being paid for top quality weanlings.
For those finishing bull beef, it is critical to optimise weaning weight and size in preparation for further feeding. In general markets for bull beef dictate that they must be under 16 months at slaughter.
Creep rations should be grain and protein based feeds. A good quality calf creep should include whole or coarsely rolled grain, a good source of digestible fibre and ideally Hipro Soya as a protein source.
All these should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. There is no place in calf creeps for filler ingredients. Avoid contamination of the creep ration from birds as they can carry a lot of diseases and result in reduced calf performance.
The animal’s exact requirements will depend on the needs of the particular calf crop and the target market.
