Creep Feeding Calves
In Year 2010…..
Bridging the Nutrition
GAP
Scenario: Cattle prices are
strong at this time and herd rebuilding/heifer retention should
maintain that momentum through next 3 to 4 years. Growth Genetics in
today’s cow herds have outstripped the ability of the cow (and
especially 1st calf heifers) to produce enough milk
through weaning to optimize the calves ability to put on extra
pounds that mean $$$ in the producers pocket.
Goals: 1. Increase
production to meet beef demand by getting cows in better Body
Condition Scoring by improving forage and supplementation programs.
Increase milk production and increase reproductive rates.
2.
Increase weaning weights of calves through creep feeding.
3.
Improve value of calf by going through a Pre-Conditioning
development and marketing program. Creep feeding speeds up the
weaning transition dramatically.
Economics: With moderating
feed prices compared to higher calf prices, now is the time to
maximize pounds by meeting the nutritional needs of your calves.
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After Creep |
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Creep Cost: |
Return: |
ROI |
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Early Wean Program: |
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| 300# steer @
$132.00 cwt= $396.00 |
0 |
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0 |
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VS. |
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| Creep
Feeding Program (1% BW Consumption): |
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| 400# steer @
$122.00 cwt= $488.00 |
$30.00 |
+$ 62.00 |
207% |
| 500# steer @
$111.00 cwt= $560.00 |
$45.00 |
+$119.00 |
264% |
| 600# steer @
$112.00 cwt= $672.00 |
$75.00 |
+$201.00 |
268% |
| You put net
$ return per calf in your pocket, NOT $ per pound!
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Solution:
A calf will put on about an
additional pound of gain per 5 pounds of a creep like Purina Stocker
Grower 14N, a 14% low fiber creep pellet. Calves can be started on
creep at about 60 days for best results. Once calves get past 400#
on creep, over consumption is a problem and Bay City Feed has the
solution….Accuration Cattle Limiter LW (Light Weight) will control
consumption on light calves to 1% of bodyweight for an efficient
gain. It has special intake modifiers that will control consumption
at an economical feeding rate. It is best to feed Stocker/Grower 14N
for the first 30 days and then switch the calves over to Cattle
Limiter LW. When you can put on gain for 60 cents or less and
sell it for $1.00 or more….Easy Decision!
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Creep :
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Creep:
|
Highest Energy
Creep: |
| Purina
Stocker/Grower 14N |
Purina
Stocker/Grower 12N |
Purina Cattle
Limiter LW |
| 14% Protein |
12% Protein |
12% Protein |
| 2% Fat |
2% Fat |
4% Fat |
| 9% Fiber |
15% Fiber |
7% Fiber |
Bay City Feed Co. 
