Nutrition
the cows and calves are in Table
1 (https://go.unl.edu/tqjt).
Results from this study
demonstrate that creep feeding
calves increased (P < 0.01) calf
body weight at weaning by 44
lbs over non-creep fed calves.
Average intake of creep feed
that disappeared from feeder
was approximately 4.44 lbs
(as fed basis) per calf per day,
resulting in an increased cost
of $64.80 due to creep feeding.
At the time of weaning of this
study in Nebraska (December
4, 2017), average steer price
for 507 lbs steers were worth
$209.75/cwt vs. 551 lbs. steers
at $202.5/cwt. Due to the
increased weaning weights
and without considering costs,
creep feeding resulted in an
increase of $52.36 per calf in
added value more than the non-
creep fed calves. Selling weaned
calves at this point in time, the
increased calf weight due to
creep feeding did not cover
the expense of the creep feed.
Additional value of added
weight for the steers at
slaughter was $63.80 based
on hot carcass weight.
Under the conditions of this
study, creep feeding calves
prior to weaning was not a cost
effective strategy to increase
weaning weight of calves.
Therefore, when considering
creep feeding this summer
you may want to look at the
projected price of the calves
and the cost of the feed before
making the decision to creep
feed. In addition, the cost of the
feed calculated in this study
Creep feeding calves did not
influence (P > 0.06) yield Grade,
ribeye (longissimus) muscle
area, or marbling score after
a feedlot finishing period.
However, steer finishing live
weight, hot carcass weight,
and 12th rib fat thickness
were increased (P < 0.04) by
pre-weaning creep feeding.
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