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A natural decline in both grass growth and cow milk yields in July to September means creep feeding is a no brainer if you want to maintain calf growth rates.

Chris Lavis, feed specialist for Mole Valley Feed Solutions, says there are numerous reasons why supplementing calves at this time of year is a win win.

Firstly, he stresses the importance of maintaining growth rates.

"If you are spring calving, a dam's milk production will start to reduce around this time, while both grass quality and quantity will decline. Bridging that gap with an appropriate creep feed can help get calves away quicker, which ultimately helps efficiencies."

Mr Lavis adds that creep feeding also makes the most of a calf's high feed conversion efficiency.

He says: "An animal's feed conversion efficiency (FCE) is at its highest when they are young. For example, at four to five months of age their FCE is about 4:1. This means it is far more cost effective to grow kilos at this age. You may as well grow them as fast as you can, as young as possible."

Weights

Mr Lavis says increasing weaning weights is one of the biggest plusses to be gained from creep feeding.

"Creep fed young calves usually weigh about 25-30kg more at weaning. Strong, good looking calves is a particular plus for those farmers selling calves straight off the dam."

Mr Lavis adds that creep feeding teaches calves to eat hard feed.

"Introducing creep now will mean that calves are used to eating concentrate before housing.Ìý

"It also means the rumen microbes are used to hard feed. As a result, calves are more likely to hit the ground running post weaning. This will help reduce any growth checks at this time."

Stress

And, he adds that getting calves used to creep and growing well reduces stress levels at weaning which can help lower the risk of pneumonia.

Mr Lavis also explains that feeding the calf will ‘protect the dam'.

"If you are feeding the calf, the pressure on the dam for milk will be reduced at a time when grass levels are reducing. This will prevent her from losing condition and help fertility.Ìý

"The fact grass growth was so poor in the spring means it is even more important to keep an eye on cow condition this year.Ìý

"If grass growth springs back enough, cows may be okay. However, if not, it may be worth creeping calves earlier to protect the dam. It is more cost effective to feed the calf than the cow due to its high FCE."

What to look for in a creep feed and best practice

• 12-12.5 ME
• 16-18 per cent crude protein, depending on system. For example, an 18 per cent may be more appropriate for farmers who sell calves directly off the cow
• Avoid too much starch: 22 per cent maximum. This will prevent calves from laying down too much fat and also protect rumen health on ad-lib feeding systems
• Target good levels of digestible fibre
• Never let creep run out as calves will gorge when they are refilled leading to acidosis issues

The extra weight gain makes creeping cost effective

For example:

• If a calf weighs 30kg more at weaning, that is worth about £60 per animal (15kg deadwight at £4/kg = £60 or 30kg livewsweight at £2 = £60)
• A 16 per cent rearing concentrate costs about £260-£270 per tonne and a calf will eat roughly 125-150kg.
• As a worst case scenario, creep could cost £40.50 per calf (£270 x 150kg = £40.50)
• This delivers a cost benefit of about £20 per calf