Limit creep-feeding a 36% protein supplement (avg. salt concentration = 7.9%) was compared with unlimited consumption of the same supplement without salt (full creep-feeding) and with no supplementation. Average daily gain of steer calves was increased (P≤.06) by.19 (limit creep-feeding) and .38 (full creep-feeding) lb per day compared with non-supplemented calves. Average daily gain of heifer calves was not increased by creep feeding. Efficiency with which creep was converted to extra gain was poor for both limit and full creep-feeding groups. Little difference was observed in postweaning average daily gains; however, the calves given ad libitum access to creep feed tended (P=.12) to have greater daily gains (1.9 lbs) than non creep-feeding calves (1.6 lbs). Limit creep-fed calves had average daily gains of 1.7 lbs. Feed conversion during the post-weaning period was slightly improved (P=.09) in calves that had been given ad libitum access to creep feed.
Spring-born, suckling beef calves were offered a limited creep feed of either protein, energy, or energy plus lasalocid from August 15 to October 15 in a 3-yr study. Creep feeding improved daily gain (P < .01) over calves in the control group, but there were no differences in gain among calves fed the three creep rations. Consumption was slightly less for the protein feed resulting in an improved feed efficiency for the protein compared to the energy (P < .01). Creep feeding improved (P < .01) preweaning and 53-d postweaning gains with no differences in gains due to type of creep feed.
Spring-born suckling beef calves were offered salt-limited creep feeds containing either high protein, high energy, or energy plus Bovatec® from August 15 to October 15 in a 3- year study. Creep feeding improved (P<.01) daily gain over controls, but no differences were attributable to creep composition. Daily creep feed consumption was somewhat less for the protein fed group, resulting in improved feed conversion compared to the energy-based supplement, with the energy plus Bovatec creep feed intermediate in efficiency. Creep feeding improved 53-day postweaning gains (P<.01). Overall, limited creep feeding boosted both pre- and postweaning performance, with no difference in gain among the three types of creep rations studied.