Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
- Creep feed plays a key role in the development of a calf or lamb into an efficient ruminant.
- The production strategy followed dictates what levels of protein and energy the creep feed should contain.
- Deon Kriel says using suitable, good-quality creep pens is one of the leading principles of creed feeding practices.
- A typical creep feed station consists of a self-feeder that protects the ration from other animals and the elements.
- Animals can access the feeder with supplementary feed through good-quality creep gates.
Creep feed plays a key role in the development of a calf or lamb into an efficient ruminant. Successful intake of high-quality creep feed has a major impact on short-, medium- and long-term herd goals.
André Pienaar, head of ruminants at Trouw Nutrition South Africa, says that in the short term, young animals still depend on milk for nutrition. However, milk alone does not provide all the nutrients the animal requires. Creep feed therefore plays an essential part in filling this nutritional gap — especially during the pre-weaning period.
High-quality creep feed supports daily growth and the development of important organs in this early life phase. Another short-term benefit is that faster growth can lead to the correct or higher weaning weight being achieved earlier. Both scenarios have a direct, positive impact on reducing the cost of lamb- or calf-rearing.
Less weaning stress
In the medium term, says Pienaar, sound creep feed management helps to limit weaning stress and possible decreases in daily growth. Animals that are being prepared for weaning will be able to recover quicker and continue to grow and develop. The smaller the impact of weaning stress, the sooner they can return to a positive growth rate.
In the longer term, creep feed plays an integral role in rumen development by making available essential nutrients that assist in enlarging and strengthening the rumen wall which, in turn, improves the rumen’s capacity to absorb nutrients. It also has a positive impact on rumen capacity and motility (the ability to effectively blend the rumen contents).
A well-developed, functional rumen, combined with strong enzymatic capacity, contributes to improving feed intake and digestion in the long term, which directly translates into better production in the form of meat and milk.
Effective mixtures
Pienaar says the production strategy followed dictates what levels of protein and energy the creep feed should contain. Generally speaking a protein level of 16% is sufficient, but this can be increased to 19% depending on the specific production goals. A crucial element of creep feed is that it should contain highly digestible ingredients while taking palatability into consideration.
The young animal’s digestive system is still in a development phase, which necessitates the provision of easily digestible feed. In the case of calf creep feed, the mixture should not contain any roughage. Lambs, on the other hand, do well when a small amount of lucerne is added to the creep ration. This does, however, not mean that roughage is unimportant. Calves and lambs should have ad lib access to hay (roughage).
The creep feed rations for calves and lambs are somewhat similar, with differences that can be attributed to the different production systems. Calf meal contains little to no roughage and no urea, along with vitamin and mineral levels that meet the requirements of young calves. Lamb creep feed contains more lucerne and urea, as lambs and ewes are often kept together. The vitamin and mineral contents are also higher than a calf feed’s; this is because lambs consume less creep feed and therefore require a more concentrated ration.
According to Pienaar it is possible to implement creep feed successfully based on different production targets and producers’ financial situation. The key is finding a system and feed mix that suit your unique circumstances and which can be sustained. He warns, however, that this is not a time for producers to skimp by reducing input costs – their focus should be on quality.
Creep feed for young animals is indeed an investment and in the long term can play a crucial role in their performance, and the income they can generate.
Role of infrastructure
Deon Kriel, owner of Staalplaas agricultural equipment in Heidelberg, Gauteng, says using suitable, good-quality creep pens is one of the leading principles of creed feeding practices. The company has been manufacturing livestock equipment specifically tailored to the needs of producers for the past eight years.
Staalplaas evolved from its sister company, Strongman Tools, which specialises in the manufacture of machinery for bending steel. It came to their attention that many producers were purchasing machinery in order to construct their own equipment for livestock. Hence, they decided to establish Staalplaas, a business specialising in manufacturing livestock equipment for producers who don’t want to do it themselves.
Kriel lists height-adjustable creep gates of 3m x 1,6m, multi-purpose sheep pen panels in standard sizes of 3m x 1,6m, and extra-high panels (3m x 1,8m) as part and parcel of creep feed equipment. A range of self-feeders in various sizes can be adapted to the producer’s needs.
Aspects to consider when utilising creep feed equipment are:
- The equipment should be erected near a water point to ensure that calves have daily access to feed.
- The creep feed station should have ample feeding space so that all calves and lambs can have access to the feed simultaneously. If calves have to wait their turn, the herd might have moved on by the time the smaller, weaker animals eventually get to the feed.
- It is best to erect more than one creep feed station.
Components
Kriel says a typical creep feed station consists of a self-feeder that protects the ration from other animals and the elements. It also features two creep gates and four regular cattle gates, so that the self-feeder has a rectangular shape. Two creep gates are needed on the shorter end of the rectangular setup. In addition, two or four cattle gates are needed for the longer sides of the station, depending on its size.
For sheep, the feeder can be closed off with creep feed panels, allowing only lambs to enter the feeder. These panels feature a height-adjustable bar, giving access to different sized lambs. They can be utilised in conjunction with standard sheep panels erected around the feeder.
There is a choice between 150 and 200mm vertical bar spacing. The 100kg self-feeder, which is 1,2m wide and has 2,4m of feeding space, is suitable for lambs. The same self-feeder can also come equipped with wheels if the producer so chooses. There is also a 250kg feeder with 2,4m of feeding space and wheels (optional), and a 500kg feeder that is 2,5m long with 4,8m of feeding space. All feeders feature a proven design and are durable, with an all-steel construction and epoxy powder coating.
Creep gate uses
Animals can access the feeder with supplementary feed through good-quality creep gates, says Kriel. This allows only calves to gain access to the feed which, in turn, reserves quality grazing for them while also extending the grazing period. Giving calves exclusive access to a set area means that cows and calves can become accustomed to grazing separately from each other.
Adjustable creep gates are not only vital for keeping cows out – it also limits larger calves from gaining access so that smaller ones have a fair chance. This is especially applicable in herds with different aged calves. Producers don’t have to use creep gates only with self-feeders. They are also suitable for partitioning off better-quality grazing for the exclusive use by calves.
Creep gates are extremely useful during weaning. A partition can be erected that is only accessible through a creep gate. This also reduces stress when cows and their calves have to start grazing separately.
Keep cows out
Kriel emphasises that a creep gate is mainly there for cows and not for calves. Creep gates are there to keep cows out. Producers should therefore choose sturdy, robust equipment that can withstand the pressure and impact of cows.
“Creep gates are not only utilised by calves, so don’t make the mistake of purchasing lightweight gates as the cows will simply destroy it.” That is why Staalplaas uses thick steel pipes for maximum durability. When looking for a good self-feeder, take the following aspects into account:
- The number of animals that must feed simultaneously: The feeder must be long enough so that all the calves have access to feed at the same time, without having to compete.
- Refill frequency: Choose a feeder with sufficient capacity for the desired refill frequency. This increases efficiency and reduces labour. – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media
For more information, contact André Pienaar at andre.pienaar@trouwnutrition.com or Deon Kriel at 078 800 1465 or staalplaas@gmail.com.
