Creep Feeding Beef Calves
Creep feeding is the practice of providing supplemental feed to nursing calves while on pasture. It can improve calf performance, reduce stress at weaning, and support cow body condition—however, economic returns vary depending on feed costs, calf prices, pasture conditions, and management goals.
When Creep Feeding Adds the Most Value
Creep feeding is most beneficial when:
- Calves are nursing heifers or low‑milk cows
- Pasture quality or quantity is poor
- Calves have high growth potential
- Producers plan to retain ownership or want calves to adjust quickly to dry feed before weaning
Most scenarios provide a positive return if feed costs and labor requirements are carefully evaluated.
Costs to Consider
Before implementing a creep-feeding program, factor in:
- Purchase and depreciation of creep feeders
- Cost of grain or creep pellets
- Time and labor to refill and monitor feeders during late summer and fall
- Potential impact on calf condition and marketing strategy
Feed Options: Grain vs. Pellets
Pelleted Creep Feed
- Balanced for energy, protein, and fibre
- Can include monensin, which improves feed efficiency and reduces the risk of acidosis and coccidiosis
- Convenient and consistent
Grain-Based Creep Feed
- Oats are preferred due to higher fibre and lower acidosis risk
- Should be fed with a monensin‑medicated mineral
- Can achieve similar performance to pellets
Alternative Creep-Feeding Setups
While steel feeders with creep panels are common, other systems can also be effective:
- Small pens with 16–18 inch spacing between posts to allow calves access
- Trough feeding within these pens
- Feeding high-quality alfalfa/grass hay as an alternative or supplement
Benefits to Calves
Creep-fed calves typically show:
- Improved body condition and readiness for weaning stress
- Better adaptation to dry feeds and fewer days of post-weaning weight loss
- Improved appearance and lower stress levels at auction
- Enhanced resilience to transportation and commingling
Benefits to Cows
By reducing the calf’s reliance on the cow:
- Cows maintain better body condition
- Reduced nutritional stress during late summer
- Lower winter feeding costs due to cows entering the season with higher condition scores
Economic Considerations
Creep feeding can be profitable but varies year-to-year based on:
- Calf market prices
- Feed ingredient costs
- Pasture conditions
- Cow herd genetics and age structure
- Marketing strategy (weaning, backgrounding, finishing)
Producers should evaluate potential returns annually. Tools such as the Calf Creep Feed Calculator can assist in assessing cost-effectiveness.
