Assessing grass levels this summer will be critical in
determining when to creep feed suckler calves to maximise
production, according to Wiltshire vet
Keith Cutler.
With grass already beginning to burn up in some areas due to a
lack of rain, creep feeding may have to be introduced earlier. "Not
only is it the calf you have to think about but, if the cow isn't
getting enough energy from the grass either, then she won't be
producing the quality milk needed by the calf," he says.
Breed and type of cow can also influence when to introduce
creep, says SAC beef specialist
Gavin Hill. "Individual breeds will vary in the amount of milk they
are producing and will determine when creep needs to be added, when
milk quality and quantity begins to tail off."
But introducing creep feed gradually is vital to avoiding
acidosis and bloat. "For management reasons introducing creep feed
six to eight weeks before weaning can help minimise stress at
weaning, by getting the rumen used to solid feed and the calf less
dependant on milk. The amount of creep should be built up to about
2.5kg before weaning," he says.
However, for bull beef calves, introducing creep as soon as
possible is something independent beef consultant David Hendy
recommends. "By two months of age, bull beef calves should have ad
lib access to creep feed, as the more weight you can get on early
the better."
By doing this, Mr Hendy expects calves will weigh between 50kg
to 100kg more, aiming for 350kg at 7-8 months of age. "With
continental crosses, laying down fat isn't a problem, it just means
you can get them gone as soon as possible, it's about getting frame
and size on a calf."
But, for ease of management, splitting cows with bull calves at
foot from those with heifers at foot would be easier, he says.
"Feeding heifers from two months of age isn't something I would
recommend. Heifers and steers in most cases would only need creep
feed a few months before weaning."
However, creep feed is only there to supplement growth and is
not there to take over the cow, says Mr Hendy.
"In spring calving suckler herds milk production begins dropping
off in summer, this coincides with the energy density of the grass
dropping and the increased nutritional requirement of the calves
and means creep should be introduced to steers and heifers three
months before weaning."
The standard creep mix Mr Hendy recommends, based on 1t, would
contain about 50kg molasses, 270kg rolled wheat, 270kg rolled
barley, 270kg rolled oats, 120kg hi pro soya, 10kg limestone flour
and 10kg general purpose minerals.
"When you first start using creep, halve the amount of rolled
wheat and barley and double up the amount of whole oats, as this is
a good source of digestible fibre. After two to three weeks then
return back to the standard mix," says Mr Hendy.
Making sure there is enough feed space for calves is also
essential, with Mr Hendy suggesting one feeder for every 20 calves.
"Investing in creep feeding before weaning and putting weight on
earlier on, is more cost effective than having to catch-up later
on," says Mr Hendy.