Cow-calf producers often simply view creep feeding as a way to increase calf-weaning weights beyond what can be produced with mother’s milk and available forage. However the benefits of creep feeding can reach well beyond weaning weight.
Benefit from creep feed, good management
Creep feeding is part of preconditioning. To start our calves on the path to independence, a Certified Angus Beef member put out 5 tons of creep in early July; it was gone in five weeks. That was about 3.8 pounds per day on the ration of one-third each oats, corn-gluten pellets and cottonseed hulls. Putting out another half-batch took us to a Sept. 8 weekend weaning date.





