Creep feeding beef calves (1996)

Abstract

Creep feeding is the feeding of concentrates to suckling calves to supplement their mothers' milk. Creep-fed calves usually are heavier and may be fatter at weaning. Milk provides the nutrients suckling calves need until they are about three months old. From three months until weaning, milk supplies half or less of the nutrients a calf needs to gain 1.5 pounds or more per day. Does creep feeding pay? There is no simple answer. A number of production conditions and the market for calves must be considered before deciding whether creep feeding is likely to pay