THE ROLE OF CREEP FEEDING IN BEEF-CATTLE PRODUCTION

Supplementing the grass and milk of unweaned calves with a feed not av ailable to mother: cows is called creep feeding. Limited-intake creep feeding, which efficiently increases gain, and short-term precondition ing programs, which teach calves to eat and help to ease the stress of weaning, hold potential for increasing efficiency and profitability i n the beef industry. The traditional use of unlimited 9% to 15% protei n, moderate- to high-energy creep feeds for long periods was frequentl y not profitable because of poor feed conversions; Because of excellen t profit potential and more desirable effects on composition of gain; limit-fed; high-protein creeps are more widely recommended than are un limited-intake high-energy-creeps The decision to creep feed beef carv es is complex because responses are variable and not accurately predic table. Some variables to consider include creep consumption, gain resp onse, the efficiency of feed use, the effect on finish and grade, the effect on replacement heifers, the influence on mother cows, the cost of equipment and labor, the cost of feed, the price of calves, and mis cellaneous factors. Forage quality is the most important factor influe ncing the level of protein needed for best efficiency from a creep fee d. Creep grazing although not widely practiced, can be an economic sou rce of additional nutrition for calves.