Creep Feeding Calves
Nutritionally, creep feeding is important for a young calf since the protein and energy requirements of a fast growing calf increases well beyond its mother's ability to supply. Kent research and University research have shown the weaning weights of calves can be increased 40 to 60 pounds or more, by creep feeding depending on pasture conditions and milking ability of the cows. The type of creep feed fed has a significant effect on calf performance and economics of creep feeding.
PNP® (Protected Natural Protein) allows the calves to reach their genetic potential by supplying a more optimum amino acid pattern for absorption from the lower tract, to enable the calf to "lay down" protein (muscle) instead of fat. Kent PNP® Creep Supreme gave 28.5% improvement in gain with 27% less feed per pound of extra gain in an average of three year trials compared to a high quality 13% all natural creep feed.
Creep feeding has more advantages than just allowing the calves to live up to their genetic potential. The added advantages are:
- Cows will cycle earlier if their calves are creep fed.
- Reduction of calf pinkeye may be another advantage of feeding a "well balanced" calf creep feed.
- The calves are better able to handle weaning and shipping stress.
- The calves are more uniform in size.
- The cows winter better and more economically because they aren't "milked down" by big hungry calves. This is especially important for first and second calf heifers.
- Herd replacements are growthy and well developed.
- The calves eat less forage thereby increasing the pasture's carrying capacity.