Extension
Date of this Version
1974
Abstract
Effects of creep feeding calves are covered here. Gross income of the cow/calf enterprise is partially dependent on weaning weight of the calves. Three possible non-genetic ways of increasing calf weaning weight are to increase milk production of the dam, increase forage consumption of the calf, or provide supplemental feed to the calf to increase nutrient intake. Management practices exist to increase standing forage quality, but management of that grass for the calf only is difficult. Likewise, increasing milk production of the dam requires greater feed inputs and possibly supplemental feed. Creep feeding studies consistently have shown an increase in weaning weight, but in most cases they've failed to show an economic advantage because of poor conversion of creep feed to extra pounds of calf weaned.
Comments
© 1974, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.