Creep feeding is one of the most profitable investments for any beef farmer. Designed to reduce the number of days calves are on farm, as well as giving the correct balance of nutrition at a young age which is crucial.
With concentrate costs on the decline and beef prices at an all-time high, creeping calves has never been more cost efficient. The feed conversion efficiency of calves pre-weaning is the highest it will be compared to any other stage of its life. On average every 4kg of creep will result in 1kg daily live weight gain, a 4:1 feed conversion rate. Creeping also brings other benefits, such as reducing weaning stress and pneumonia at housing as the calves are already used to a concentrate which in turn minimises growth checks.
Looking at the difference between no creep and creeping calves, it has a huge financial impact and shown to further promote efficiency through improved rumen function and feed to gain ratio. The table below demonstrates this, if 2kg of creep is fed, you could achieve in-excess of an extra 0.4 DLWG. Over a period of 150 days this can be equivalent to 60kg live weight difference. At market this would bring an extra £180. If you then subtract the £90 concentrate cost, it leaves a profit of £90 per calve. Multiplying this by 100 calves sold off the farm, it can result in an outstanding profit of almost £9,000. These figures are undeniable in meeting margins, as well as calves being on farm for fewer days, which also saves on additional costs. With other input costs on the rise and in short supply for example straw, having calves on farm for fewer days has never been more important.
Although at first you may think creeping calves are expensive, in the long run it is the most cost-efficient thing to do for any beef farmer.
View our full range of calf creep products > https://www.davidsonsfeeds.co.uk/beef/
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