calf growth

[herfdog]

Is it safe to say that if most of my heifers wean with good flesh from milk and grass that her nutritional needs for growth have been met, and creep feeding would only add more fat?
thanks

 

[dun]

I owuld say so. Besides fat creeping would add cost.

 

[Limomike]

Like the old saying.. " if it aint broke, dont fix it"

 

[Isomade]

I know you are talking about retained heifers, but I believe creeping is very overrated period. By the time you figure feed costs and often times getting a calf too greasy it don't pay. If your cows can't supply the needed nutrition you need different cows. I know a lot of folks who creep and will disagree with me, but I can't make it pay.

 

[SSGenetics]

I know you are talking about retained heifers, but I believe creeping is very overrated period. By the time you figure feed costs and often times getting a calf too greasy it don't pay. If your cows can't supply the needed nutrition you need different cows. I know a lot of folks who creep and will disagree with me, but I can't make it pay.

I agree.... I've never owned a creep feeder, but will admit nearly every year I will price them just wondering what kind of extra gain I MAY get. I don't like the idea of investing in the equipment and feed just to lose on the whole deal. I'm pleased with what the cattle are doing by themselves and really think it would be an insult to these Gert mommas.

I never say never though, so who knows. :?

 

[Limomike]

Thats not to say I havent creep fed my calves before. When I have a hard winter.. I creep feed em to get them some extra weight.
But its just as important to keep the momma cows well fed

 

[ALACOWMAN]

Is it safe to say that if most of my heifers wean with good flesh from milk and grass that her nutritional needs for growth have been met, and creep feeding would only add more fat?
thanks

they are up to that point... but how are they holding up after weaning?? i dont creep either

 

[herfdog]

Is it safe to say that if most of my heifers wean with good flesh from milk and grass that her nutritional needs for growth have been met, and creep feeding would only add more fat?
thanks

they are up to that point... but how are they holding up after weaning?? i dont creep either

The calves have done just fine after weaning on hay and a couple pounds of corn a day. Reason for the question is my weaning weights on the heifers average 550. The calves are fleshy and moderate just the way I want them but just not very heavy. The heifers are retained so pounds are not a big factor. Just want them to grow to genetic potential. I know the bull calves could use some creep to help fill them out.
thanks

 

[cow pollinater]

I know you are talking about retained heifers, but I believe creeping is very overrated period. By the time you figure feed costs and often times getting a calf too greasy it don't pay. If your cows can't supply the needed nutrition you need different cows. I know a lot of folks who creep and will disagree with me, but I can't make it pay.

:nod: What he said. I'll add that if you want to spend money helping, do it on the cows. That way it stays with you after this years calves sell in the form of next years calf crop. I'm talking a protein barrel here or there, nothing to expensive.